Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner.
<< <i>Nice to see AZ keep a little bit of respect for left coast hoops after SDSU and BYU couldn't win very winnable games. I really thought the first two games were great games. I was shocked to see AZ beat down Duke like that. I still can't believe it. It looked like AZ was just too athletic for Duke.
Also, loved the Butler upset. That guy can take any coaching job in the country this off season!
3 out of my 4 final four are still still alive. Only Pitt is dead. I got UNC as national champion. Let's go Tar Heels! >>
He signed a long-term deal with Butler, extending his contract through the 2021–22 season. Now VCU coach Shaka Smart may be a different story this off season. I would love to see VCU and Butler make it to the final four!
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
We DID stun Ohio State. They were the big bad top overall seed (with only two losses) and cakewalked through the first two games while we had to pull off squeakers the first two games. I did see it coming though figuring Ohio State would be too smug and overconfident (especially that one Ohio State guy who was really hot dogging big time) and thinking we were also-rans or something. They didn't realize that we are on a 13 year Final Four drought (unheard of by UK standards) and just like Mr. T in Rocky III, we went in that game HUNGRY!! And we should be even hungrier against UNC on Sunday though I don't think we can exactly play the underdog card this time (since they've now seen that if we can beat the top overall seed we can beat ANYBODY).
The thing is though, I happened to notice some UNC fans behind our bench; I hope they weren't thinking that we'd be an easier opponent (that is VERY bad luck to think along those lines BTW). Be careful what you wished for UNC fans, cuz you're sure gonna get us alright...
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
Most experts had Ohio State winning it all. >>
And people thought I was crazy at our factory pool when I picked us to beat Ohio State in my bracket, thinking I was too partisan or something. Oh yeah, and I win 20 big ones from a co-worker because we scored the upset too!
I don't think Kentucky has ever beat a #1 seed as a 4 seed or lower, have they? We came up four points short of upsetting Kansas in 2007 (Tubby's last season).
Everyone talks about a team being this year's Cinderella; I would be so pleased as punch if that Cinderella turns out to be us in the end!
Ohio State was only favored by a few yesterday so it wasn't a "stunner." However, it was a nice win. Kentucky looked great. I have UNC winning it all but am not looking forward to playing Kentucky.
As Dickie V said on ESPN last night, Kentucky should have been higher than a 4th seed.
Both games last night were great. The early games were boring but the late games were awesome.
Home sick in bed today so will be watching them today!
Say, what's up with ESPN saying we've been in 17 Elite Eights (and second all time???) when we really have now 33 Elite Eight appearances (first all time)?
Say, what's up with ESPN saying we've been in 17 Elite Eights (and second all time???) when we really have now 33 Elite Eight appearances (first all time)?
I don't know. However, with all those elite eight appearances too bad you can't win more championships. If you like hanging elite eight or final 4 banners I guess it matters but we like only one kind of banner in Westwood... and there are 11 hanging!
I should add if Kentucky keeps playing like they did yesterday they could be adding another.
IF....and this is a big "if"...Kentucky beats UNC, for the 1st time in my life I think...I will have a 100% perfect picked East Region in my bracket!! The other3....not so much! Although I still have Kansas and Florida...I just lost a BUNCH of games to get here with them!
<< <i> If you like hanging elite eight or final 4 banners I guess it matters but we like only one kind of banner in Westwood... and there are 11 hanging!
I should add if Kentucky keeps playing like they did yesterday they could be adding another. >>
We hang banners for Final Four appearances. So far seven gold (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998), three silver (1966, 1975, 1997) and three bronze (1942, 1984, 1993). But none in this century. But come Sunday that hopefully will change!
And yes, you may have more championships and Final Fours, sure, but we have twice as many championship coaches (Rupp, Hall, Pitino, Smith)! As well as the most wins, most tournament appearances, most Sweet 16's, most Elite 8's, and I think we're the only school with multiple NCAA and NIT championships (don't laugh; in 1946 there was no shame in winning the NIT; we won another one in 1976). And I think we have the most decades with at least one Final Four appearance too (we only failed to go in the 2000s).
And most of all, we have the absolute very best, most loyal fans in all of college basketball!
We hang banners for Final Four appearances. So far seven gold (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998), three silver (1966, 1975, 1997) and three bronze (1942, 1984, 1993). But none in this century. But come Sunday that hopefully will change!
And yes, you may have more championships and Final Fours, sure, but we have twice as many championship coaches (Rupp, Hall, Pitino, Smith)! As well as the most wins, most tournament appearances, most Sweet 16's, most Elite 8's, and I think we're the only school with multiple NCAA and NIT championships (don't laugh; in 1946 there was no shame in winning the NIT; we won another one in 1976). And I think we have the most decades with at least one Final Four appearance too (we only failed to go in the 2000s).
And most of all, we have the absolute very best, most loyal fans in all of college basketball!
No question Kentucky has the best all-around long term history but growing up in Los Angeles I was raised to only care about championships. Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA, USC, and even the Raiders... champions! Not saying that's right but that's how we roll in So Cal. Living in Sacramento for 20 years now I have learned to appreciate my teams doing things other than winning championships.
Indeed, Butler from last year was what I was using for inspiration for us this year! If Butler, a fifth seed last year came within a half court shot of winning the gold, then imagine what a 4 seed like us could do!
Nobody has Butler in the Final 4. I got Uconn in the final 4 but my west coast bias would have been happy for Arizona to win. UNC and Kansas are alive tomorrow. I could get 3 out of 4. I doubt many are going to hit all 4 this year!
<< <i> Living in Sacramento for 20 years now I have learned to appreciate my teams doing things other than winning championships. >>
Well, considering your Kings may be moving to SoCal very soon, maybe they'll get with that whole championship thing. >>
Why can't they (or the Clippers) move to Kentucky and bring back the Colonels? I'd be absolutely thrilled if Kentucky got a major league franchise; I'd prefer an MLB one but clearly an NBA one is our best chance (it helps that Cincinnati doesn't have an NBA team).
Well, considering your Kings may be moving to SoCal very soon, maybe they'll get with that whole championship thing.
Suffice it to say the banners they have flying at Arco Arena will not be going to So Cal because So Cal would laugh to see a couple of Pacific Division banners along with a list of marginal players who have had their jerseys retired (including Vlade Divac). Not an impressive collection of banners. I think they won a championship back in Rochester but I wouldn't fly that in So Cal. That's ancient history.
Slightly shifting gears it's very upsetting to lose our only pro team. We have no legit D-1 college teams either. It's a bad sports town. Not even strong high school sports. Just bad.
What I don't understand is how the Clippers stay in business. I would think most LAers would be Lakers fans first. The Clippers seem to be the modern version of the St. Louis Browns. Are there really that many Clippers-first fans in LA?
<< <i>VCU and Butler are the reasons I'll never win a tournament bracket. Congrats to both.
It doesn't really affect your bracket since NOBODY has VCU and Butler in the Final Four. >>
A few people at the one I'm in at work do have Butler in the final four. Of course it's some 8 year old and some woman in accounting. I should have learned from last year.
<< <i>Say, what's up with ESPN saying we've been in 17 Elite Eights (and second all time???) when we really have now 33 Elite Eight appearances (first all time)? >>
Wha????? ESPN making a poorly researched and incorrect statement???? That NEVER happens... Well not more than 20 times a day..
---------------------- Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989 ----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
YES!!! Screw big bad "top seeded" Ohio State, forget North Carolina; the KENTUCKY WILDCATS are finally back in the Final Four!! Now we go to Houston to go for the GOLD!!!
After those 4 great games this weekend I can't believe the college football head honchos are still standing behind their BS... BCS system. I mean really. After that kind of building excitment I can't believe the football powers that be still think the BCS is better than playoffs. Amazing!
I was just looking at ESPN. Not sure how many millions entered their NCAA bracket contest but the guy in first place picked the final 4 right. He appears to be the only one. He has VCU over KY for the championship. It doesn't even look like he took it seriously as he forgot to enter his point guess for the final game which is the tie breaker. Pretty amazing (lucky) to pick this final 4!
>>>What stands out to me most in this tournament is how DUMB players are these days. I've only watched about 50% of the games, but there were at least 5-6 plays where you just ask yourself, WTF was that guy thinking? <<<
I AGREE !!!
Plus, why doesn't any coach have his team foul when they have a 3 point lead and the other team has the ball with seconds to go!!!
You CAN'T lose!!! Even if they make the first FT and miss the second on purpose and get the rebound and score....it's a tie. And all of that is harder to do than hitting a 3 pointer.
AND FGS don't foul a 3 point shooter That has a 87% free throw avg.!!
I just heard that Las Vegas has us as 2 point favorites of UConn and 8-5 odds of winning the championship. No guys, go ahead and keep picking against us like those BSPN and CBS guys kept doing. I like being the underdog. Though we certainly can't say that in the title game...
<< <i>>>>What stands out to me most in this tournament is how DUMB players are these days. I've only watched about 50% of the games, but there were at least 5-6 plays where you just ask yourself, WTF was that guy thinking? <<<
I AGREE !!!
Plus, why doesn't any coach have his team foul when they have a 3 point lead and the other team has the ball with seconds to go!!!
You CAN'T lose!!! Even if they make the first FT and miss the second on purpose and get the rebound and score....it's a tie. And all of that is harder to do than hitting a 3 pointer.
AND FGS don't foul a 3 point shooter That has a 87% free throw avg.!!
Geeeeeze!!!!!!!!!! >>
because you're seeing teams with A LOT more underclassmen and therefore a LOT less experience than a decade ago.
---------------------- Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989 ----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
I think Uconn or KY will win but I would prefer to see one of the little guys.
What an amazing story it would be if VCU or Butler won the whole darn thing. >>
I hate to disappoint ya but I think the winner of Butler vs VCU will just have to settle for silver this year. This year is KENTUCKY'S turn! I just know it, I can feel it!
Sweet 16 records begin in 1975, the first year that all teams in the tournament would be required to win at least one game to advance to the sweet 16.
Most appearances in the sweet 16:
24 north carolina, 1975-2011 22 duke, 1978-2011 22 kentucky, 1975-2011 (their braggart fans claim the "most" as they count early years where just getting invited to the tournament automatically had you in the field of 16) 18 kansas, 1981-2011 17 Louisville, 1975-2009 16 syracuse, 1975-2010 16 ucla, 1975-2008 14 indiana, 1975-2002 14 arizona, 1976-2011 14 connecticut, 1976-2011 13 michigan st., 1978-2010
most consecutive appearances in the sweet 16 13 North Carolina, 1981-93 9 Duke, 1998-2006 7 Duke, 1986-92 6 UCLA, 1975-80
I collect Vintage Cards, Commemorative Sets, and way too many vintage and modern player collections in Baseball (180 players), Football (175 players), and Basketball (87 players). Also have a Dallas Cowboy team collection.
I don't put much weight on sweet 16 appearances which I think is your point. Final Four's maybe but it's all about championships and the list goes like this:
I still think that the NCAA tournament should be expanded to make it a truly national tournament that is open to all D-1 teams (like some high school state tournaments are or have been in the past). Everyone gets in (expanding the field to 256 teams would require one extra weekend which could be obtained by either eliminating the conference tournaments or by shortening the regular season by one week; and the play in games to determine the field of 256 teams (allowing the a larger amount of teams to compete in the "First Four" style games, like VCU did this year) could be played on the Monday through Wednesday before the Thursday that starts the first round of 128 games between 256 teams.
No more bubble teams. No more "unfairness" claims when a team ending on a hot streak does not get a bid or a team that loses its last 3-4 games after winning its first 25 games does not get a bid. Every D-1 team gets an invite and gets a chance to "run the table".
Dump the NIT, the CBI and the CIT.
Regarding the Final Four this year, I wish that Butler and VCU did not play in the semi finals. It would be a great story to see these two teams play for the national title.
I think the 96 team field sounds good. It'd eliminate the play-in or "First Four" gimmicks as well as the NLT. And like I explained in an earlier topic, the percentage of D-I teams going in is roughly the same percentage of MLB teams that make the playoffs (8/30). Does anyone know how many D-I schools there were in 1985 when they made the field of 64? Just so we can make a fair comparison.
<< <i>I still think that the NCAA tournament should be expanded to make it a truly national tournament that is open to all D-1 teams (like some high school state tournaments are or have been in the past). Everyone gets in (expanding the field to 256 teams would require one extra weekend which could be obtained by either eliminating the conference tournaments or by shortening the regular season by one week; and the play in games to determine the field of 256 teams (allowing the a larger amount of teams to compete in the "First Four" style games, like VCU did this year) could be played on the Monday through Wednesday before the Thursday that starts the first round of 128 games between 256 teams. >>
This has been a quiet week regarding the NCAA. I think baseball's moved up opening day really stepped on the final 4 hype. Too bad since college hoops is my favorite.
<< <i>This has been a quiet week regarding the NCAA. I think baseball's moved up opening day really stepped on the final 4 hype. Too bad since college hoops is my favorite. >>
Oh believe me, here in the Commonwealth it's not like that! Like I've said before, I really would've LOVED to have seen UK go to the Final Four when I went to school there (1999-2003), but I'm still very, very proud of not only being an alumni from there, but to graduate on their basketball centennial!
I played high school hoops in Denver in the early 1970's. When I was a senior (1973-74 season) our cross town rival [Manual High School which was the "black" school in the Denver Prep League] had a very good team that played for the state championship that year [Manual lost to an all white school from the Denver suburbs that year in a tightly contested game]. The Manual team had a starting lineup that had a senior 6'8", 240 man-child at center [who played college ball at Arizona], a 6'7" senior power forward that played D-1 ball somewhere, a senior 6"3" shooting guard, Michael Ray Richardson [who played at Montana, grew to 6'5", turned in to an All American point guard and who in 1978 was the #4 pick in the NBA draft by the Knicks and who was an NBA All Star until his drug addiction problems got him banned from the league shortly after David Stern took over as commissioner]; a senior 6"1' point guard who played D-1 ball somewhere; and a sophmore 6"7" small forward who after graduating in 1976 got recruited by Kentucky and played for the Wildcats for I think four years [his name is LaVon Williams]. I do not know how much he played while at Kentucky, but he was a heck of a player.
Maybe Estil can do some UK Hoops research and fill us in on the UK career of LaVon Williams.
Manual had quite a team that year. Over the years Manual has won many state titles, sent many players to D-1 schools and has had a number of players make it to the NBA.
When I was s senior in 1973-1974, a sophmore on my high school team was 6"8", about 170'lbs, 15 years old, uncoordinated and very awkward. However, his coordination caught up with his growth the next two years in high school. When he graduated in 1976 he was 7'0" tall and a fantasitc player. He played college at Purdue and was, I believe, the #1 draft pick in the 1980 draft. He was an NBA All Star, but never played up to his potential in his NBA career. His name is Joe Barry Carroll.
<< <i>This has been a quiet week regarding the NCAA. I think baseball's moved up opening day really stepped on the final 4 hype. Too bad since college hoops is my favorite. >>
I honestly forgot about it until a couple nights ago... really not too interested in the Final Four this year.
Comments
Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner.
<< <i>Nice to see AZ keep a little bit of respect for left coast hoops after SDSU and BYU couldn't win very winnable games. I really thought the first two games were great games. I was shocked to see AZ beat down Duke like that. I still can't believe it. It looked like AZ was just too athletic for Duke.
Also, loved the Butler upset. That guy can take any coaching job in the country this off season!
3 out of my 4 final four are still still alive. Only Pitt is dead. I got UNC as national champion. Let's go Tar Heels! >>
He signed a long-term deal with Butler, extending his contract through the 2021–22 season. Now VCU coach Shaka Smart may be a different story this off season.
I would love to see VCU and Butler make it to the final four!
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
We DID stun Ohio State. They were the big bad top overall seed (with only two losses) and cakewalked through the first two games while we had to pull off squeakers the first two games. I did see it coming though figuring Ohio State would be too smug and overconfident (especially that one Ohio State guy who was really hot dogging big time) and thinking we were also-rans or something. They didn't realize that we are on a 13 year Final Four drought (unheard of by UK standards) and just like Mr. T in Rocky III, we went in that game HUNGRY!! And we should be even hungrier against UNC on Sunday though I don't think we can exactly play the underdog card this time (since they've now seen that if we can beat the top overall seed we can beat ANYBODY).
The thing is though, I happened to notice some UNC fans behind our bench; I hope they weren't thinking that we'd be an easier opponent (that is VERY bad luck to think along those lines BTW). Be careful what you wished for UNC fans, cuz you're sure gonna get us alright...
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
<< <i>Never mind. Congrats on the "stunning" win. Enjoy. >>
Like I said before though, we still got more work to do Sunday!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
Most experts had Ohio State winning it all.
<< <i>
<< <i>Drives me crazy that ESPN says that Kentucky "stunned" Ohio State. What tournament have they been watching? A 4 seed beating a 1 seed is not a stunner. >>
Most experts had Ohio State winning it all. >>
And people thought I was crazy at our factory pool when I picked us to beat Ohio State in my bracket, thinking I was too partisan or something. Oh yeah, and I win 20 big ones from a co-worker because we scored the upset too!
I don't think Kentucky has ever beat a #1 seed as a 4 seed or lower, have they? We came up four points short of upsetting Kansas in 2007 (Tubby's last season).
Everyone talks about a team being this year's Cinderella; I would be so pleased as punch if that Cinderella turns out to be us in the end!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
As Dickie V said on ESPN last night, Kentucky should have been higher than a 4th seed.
Both games last night were great. The early games were boring but the late games were awesome.
Home sick in bed today so will be watching them today!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
I don't know. However, with all those elite eight appearances too bad you can't win more championships. If you like hanging elite eight or final 4 banners I guess it matters but we like only one kind of banner in Westwood... and there are 11 hanging!
I should add if Kentucky keeps playing like they did yesterday they could be adding another.
<< <i> If you like hanging elite eight or final 4 banners I guess it matters but we like only one kind of banner in Westwood... and there are 11 hanging!
I should add if Kentucky keeps playing like they did yesterday they could be adding another. >>
We hang banners for Final Four appearances. So far seven gold (1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998), three silver (1966, 1975, 1997) and three bronze (1942, 1984, 1993). But none in this century. But come Sunday that hopefully will change!
And yes, you may have more championships and Final Fours, sure, but we have twice as many championship coaches (Rupp, Hall, Pitino, Smith)! As well as the most wins, most tournament appearances, most Sweet 16's, most Elite 8's, and I think we're the only school with multiple NCAA and NIT championships (don't laugh; in 1946 there was no shame in winning the NIT; we won another one in 1976). And I think we have the most decades with at least one Final Four appearance too (we only failed to go in the 2000s).
And most of all, we have the absolute very best, most loyal fans in all of college basketball!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
And yes, you may have more championships and Final Fours, sure, but we have twice as many championship coaches (Rupp, Hall, Pitino, Smith)! As well as the most wins, most tournament appearances, most Sweet 16's, most Elite 8's, and I think we're the only school with multiple NCAA and NIT championships (don't laugh; in 1946 there was no shame in winning the NIT; we won another one in 1976). And I think we have the most decades with at least one Final Four appearance too (we only failed to go in the 2000s).
And most of all, we have the absolute very best, most loyal fans in all of college basketball!
No question Kentucky has the best all-around long term history but growing up in Los Angeles I was raised to only care about championships. Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA, USC, and even the Raiders... champions! Not saying that's right but that's how we roll in So Cal. Living in Sacramento for 20 years now I have learned to appreciate my teams doing things other than winning championships.
<< <i>WOW! Amazing game. Good for Butler. >>
Indeed, Butler from last year was what I was using for inspiration for us this year! If Butler, a fifth seed last year came within a half court shot of winning the gold, then imagine what a 4 seed like us could do!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
I got Uconn in the final 4 but my west coast bias would have been happy for Arizona to win.
UNC and Kansas are alive tomorrow.
I could get 3 out of 4. I doubt many are going to hit all 4 this year!
<< <i> Living in Sacramento for 20 years now I have learned to appreciate my teams doing things other than winning championships. >>
Well, considering your Kings may be moving to SoCal very soon, maybe they'll get with that whole championship thing.
<< <i>
<< <i> Living in Sacramento for 20 years now I have learned to appreciate my teams doing things other than winning championships. >>
Well, considering your Kings may be moving to SoCal very soon, maybe they'll get with that whole championship thing. >>
Why can't they (or the Clippers) move to Kentucky and bring back the Colonels? I'd be absolutely thrilled if Kentucky got a major league franchise; I'd prefer an MLB one but clearly an NBA one is our best chance (it helps that Cincinnati doesn't have an NBA team).
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Suffice it to say the banners they have flying at Arco Arena will not be going to So Cal because So Cal would laugh to see a couple of Pacific Division banners along with a list of marginal players who have had their jerseys retired (including Vlade Divac). Not an impressive collection of banners. I think they won a championship back in Rochester but I wouldn't fly that in So Cal. That's ancient history.
Slightly shifting gears it's very upsetting to lose our only pro team. We have no legit D-1 college teams either. It's a bad sports town. Not even strong high school sports. Just bad.
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
My school went 10-23 this year and we beat VCU...still trying to figure out how we managed that one
<< <i>Doesn't look like VCU is going to be able to hold the lead. Too bad. >>
Not so fast -- VCU is fighting back. At least Kansas made it past the second round this year.
It doesn't really affect your bracket since NOBODY has VCU and Butler in the Final Four.
<< <i>VCU and Butler are the reasons I'll never win a tournament bracket. Congrats to both.
It doesn't really affect your bracket since NOBODY has VCU and Butler in the Final Four. >>
A few people at the one I'm in at work do have Butler in the final four. Of course it's some 8 year old and some woman in accounting. I should have learned from last year.
<< <i>Say, what's up with ESPN saying we've been in 17 Elite Eights (and second all time???) when we really have now 33 Elite Eight appearances (first all time)? >>
Wha????? ESPN making a poorly researched and incorrect statement???? That NEVER happens... Well not more than 20 times a day..
Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989
----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
I AGREE !!!
Plus, why doesn't any coach have his team foul when they have a 3 point lead and the other team has the ball with seconds to go!!!
You CAN'T lose!!! Even if they make the first FT and miss the second on purpose and get the rebound and score....it's a tie. And all of that is harder to do than hitting a 3 pointer.
AND FGS don't foul a 3 point shooter That has a 87% free throw avg.!!
Geeeeeze!!!!!!!!!!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
I think Uconn or KY will win but I would prefer to see one of the little guys.
What an amazing story it would be if VCU or Butler won the whole darn thing.
<< <i>>>>What stands out to me most in this tournament is how DUMB players are these days. I've only watched about 50% of the games, but there were at least 5-6 plays where you just ask yourself, WTF was that guy thinking? <<<
I AGREE !!!
Plus, why doesn't any coach have his team foul when they have a 3 point lead and the other team has the ball with seconds to go!!!
You CAN'T lose!!! Even if they make the first FT and miss the second on purpose and get the rebound and score....it's a tie. And all of that is harder to do than hitting a 3 pointer.
AND FGS don't foul a 3 point shooter That has a 87% free throw avg.!!
Geeeeeze!!!!!!!!!! >>
because you're seeing teams with A LOT more underclassmen and therefore a LOT less experience than a decade ago.
Working on the following: 1970 Baseball PSA, 1970-1976 Raw, World Series Subsets PSA, 1969 Expansion Teams PSA, Fleer World Series Sets, Texas Rangers Topps Run 1972-1989
----------------------
Successful deals to date: thedudeabides,gameusedhoop,golfcollector,tigerdean,treetop,bkritz, CapeMOGuy,WeekendHacker,jeff8877,backbidder,Salinas,milbroco,bbuckner22,VitoCo1972,ddfamf,gemint,K,fatty macs,waltersobchak,dboneesq
<< <i>So who is everybody rooting for?
I think Uconn or KY will win but I would prefer to see one of the little guys.
What an amazing story it would be if VCU or Butler won the whole darn thing. >>
I hate to disappoint ya but I think the winner of Butler vs VCU will just have to settle for silver this year. This year is KENTUCKY'S turn! I just know it, I can feel it!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Most appearances in the sweet 16:
24 north carolina, 1975-2011
22 duke, 1978-2011
22 kentucky, 1975-2011 (their braggart fans claim the "most" as they count early years where just getting invited to the tournament automatically had you in the field of 16)
18 kansas, 1981-2011
17 Louisville, 1975-2009
16 syracuse, 1975-2010
16 ucla, 1975-2008
14 indiana, 1975-2002
14 arizona, 1976-2011
14 connecticut, 1976-2011
13 michigan st., 1978-2010
most consecutive appearances in the sweet 16
13 North Carolina, 1981-93
9 Duke, 1998-2006
7 Duke, 1986-92
6 UCLA, 1975-80
UCLA - 11
Others - less than 11.
No more bubble teams. No more "unfairness" claims when a team ending on a hot streak does not get a bid or a team that loses its last 3-4 games after winning its first 25 games does not get a bid. Every D-1 team gets an invite and gets a chance to "run the table".
Dump the NIT, the CBI and the CIT.
Regarding the Final Four this year, I wish that Butler and VCU did not play in the semi finals. It would be a great story to see these two teams play for the national title.
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
<< <i>I still think that the NCAA tournament should be expanded to make it a truly national tournament that is open to all D-1 teams (like some high school state tournaments are or have been in the past). Everyone gets in (expanding the field to 256 teams would require one extra weekend which could be obtained by either eliminating the conference tournaments or by shortening the regular season by one week; and the play in games to determine the field of 256 teams (allowing the a larger amount of teams to compete in the "First Four" style games, like VCU did this year) could be played on the Monday through Wednesday before the Thursday that starts the first round of 128 games between 256 teams.
>>
There are 345 teams in Division 1 basketball.
<< <i>This has been a quiet week regarding the NCAA. I think baseball's moved up opening day really stepped on the final 4 hype. Too bad since college hoops is my favorite. >>
Oh believe me, here in the Commonwealth it's not like that! Like I've said before, I really would've LOVED to have seen UK go to the Final Four when I went to school there (1999-2003), but I'm still very, very proud of not only being an alumni from there, but to graduate on their basketball centennial!
Now let's bring home that big shiny gold trophy!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Maybe Estil can do some UK Hoops research and fill us in on the UK career of LaVon Williams.
Manual had quite a team that year. Over the years Manual has won many state titles, sent many players to D-1 schools and has had a number of players make it to the NBA.
When I was s senior in 1973-1974, a sophmore on my high school team was 6"8", about 170'lbs, 15 years old, uncoordinated and very awkward. However, his coordination caught up with his growth the next two years in high school. When he graduated in 1976 he was 7'0" tall and a fantasitc player. He played college at Purdue and was, I believe, the #1 draft pick in the 1980 draft. He was an NBA All Star, but never played up to his potential in his NBA career. His name is Joe Barry Carroll.
<< <i>This has been a quiet week regarding the NCAA. I think baseball's moved up opening day really stepped on the final 4 hype. Too bad since college hoops is my favorite. >>
I honestly forgot about it until a couple nights ago... really not too interested in the Final Four this year.