College Basketball 2014-15

[Assembly Hall]

This has to be the biggest beat down I have ever witnessed in the Sweet Sixteen in my lifetime.

[Slyder]

I know it ultimately would have mattered but I wish the refs wouldn't have dictated play the first 90 seconds of the game with those 4 (both WVU and UK fouls) foul calls. WVU's ONLY chance would have been to gotten a bunch of turnovers and when that happened it made WVU largely abandon their calling card and it showed. UK still wins big as you can't shoot like WVU did and play as weak as WVU did in the paint and hope to compete.

[cumberlandreds]

This has to be the biggest beat down I have ever witnessed in the Sweet Sixteen in my lifetime.

It tied for the biggest margin of win in a sweet sixteen is what I heard on the radio this morning.

[Assembly Hall]

It tied for the biggest margin of win in a sweet sixteen is what I heard on the radio this morning.

I would be curious as to what the other game is.

[Assembly Hall]

And I just read this.......

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25125063/donnie-tyndall-will-not-return-as-tennessee-basketball-coach

[cumberlandreds]

And I just read this.......

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25125063/donnie-tyndall-will-not-return-as-tennessee-basketball-coach

Tyndall is most likely getting a show cause penalty from the NCAA or Tennessee wouldn't have fired him. Tennessee basketball is in a heap of trouble.

[Assembly Hall]

Tyndall is most likely getting a show cause penalty from the NCAA or Tennessee wouldn't have fired him. Tennessee basketball is in a heap of trouble.

I want Martin back.

[Assembly Hall]

Reports I am seeing are Barnes out at Texas and Lavin is done at St. John's.

[dabvu2498]

I want Martin back.

Since 1989, UT has had 8 basketball coaches.

Six were fired: Don DeVoe, Wade Houston, Jerry Green, Buzz Peterson, Bruce Pearl, and now Donnie Tyndall.

Two left for theoretically lesser jobs: Kevin O'Neill and Cuonzo Martin.

8822

[Revering4Blue]

Since 1989, UT has had 8 basketball coaches.

Six were fired: Don DeVoe, Wade Houston, Jerry Green, Buzz Peterson, Bruce Pearl, and now Donnie Tyndall.

Two left for theoretically lesser jobs: Kevin O'Neill and Cuonzo Martin.

8822

Pearl had to go, but how did jettisoning DeVoe and Green - both after leading their respective teams to the NCAAs the year that they were canned - work out?

[Assembly Hall]

Pearl had to go, but how did jettisoning DeVoe and Green - both after leading their respective teams to the NCAAs the year that they were canned - work out?

Exactly.......those two did one heckuva job, and IMHO Martin did as well.

[Revering4Blue]

One potential landing spot for Rick Barnes is Tennessee, sources said, with one source adding the job is “absolutely” his if he wants it. Barnes’ wife, Candy, is a Tennessee alum.

The list for replacements, should Barnes opt to leave, will be long, as Texas is one of the top ten coaching jobs in the country. Gregg Marshall, Shaka Smart and Buzz Williams are among the names that will likely be involved.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/27/sources-rick-barnes-not-expected-to-return-to-texas/

[Razor Shines]

Why do they continue to have basketball games in that stadium in Houston?

[Razor Shines]

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/27/sources-rick-barnes-not-expected-to-return-to-texas/

I think Texas could be scary if they landed Gregg Marshall.

[Razor Shines]

This UCLA - Gonzaga game is some of the worst perimeter shooting I've seen since that UConn-Butler Championship game in Houston. Both teams have legit shooters but can't hit a thing. This is just ridiculous.

[Revering4Blue]

This UCLA - Gonzaga game is some of the worst perimeter shooting I've seen since that UConn-Butler Championship game in Houston. Both teams have legit shooters but can't hit a thing. This is just ridiculous.

I understand why it's done, but in a way, I wish they'd do away with Dome games all-together- The smaller Carrier Dome the obvious exception. That stated, why does the Houston site cause particular problems with shooters? That problem doesn't seem to exist, at least to this extent, in other domes.

[Revering4Blue]

I think Texas could be scary if they landed Gregg Marshall.

Texas is most certainly a top ten job, right up there with Kansas among Big 12 jobs. The only discernible advantage for Kansas anymore would be tradition, as I view Texas as having a significant advantage in regards to resources. IMO, the advantages Kansas enjoys with proximity to talent and fan support are overstated, as well.

Texas sure as heck is an attractive enough job to land a Marshall or Smart.

[Razor Shines]

I understand why it's done, but in a way, I wish they'd do away with Dome games all-together- The smaller Carrier Dome the obvious exception. That stated, why does the Houston site cause particular problems with shooters? That problem doesn't seem to exist, at least to this extent, in other domes.

Being an expert shooter of the basketball myself, it looks like a terrible place to shoot. I don't like the lighting at all and then obviously the size. It's almost like playing on a outdoor court in the middle of a wide open field, which I've played on one like that in Indiana and it's terrible not just because of the wind. Every time they show a floor level player POV shot of the stadium I want to throw up.

I've attended Final Four games in both the RCA Dome and Lucas Oil, it doesn't seem nearly as bad as NRG.

[WVRed]

Why do they continue to have basketball games in that stadium in Houston?

Or Jerryworld for that matter.

Basketball games should be played in basketball arenas, but as we know money is the root of all evil, and it drives the NCAA.

[Razor Shines]

Or Jerryworld for that matter.

Basketball games should be played in basketball arenas, but as we know money is the root of all evil, and it drives the NCAA.

I think it's "the love of money" but your point stands.

[WVRed]

I think it's "the love of money" but your point stands.

With the NCAA it's just money. There is no love involved.

[Razor Shines]

I mean it looks like a bunch of spot lights.

[IslandRed]

Texas is most certainly a top ten job, right up there with Kansas among Big 12 jobs. The only discernible advantage for Kansas anymore would be tradition, as I view Texas as having a significant advantage in regards to resources. IMO, the advantages Kansas enjoys with proximity to talent and fan support are overstated, as well.

Texas sure as heck is an attractive enough job to land a Marshall or Smart.

I'm not so sure about it being a top-ten job. Yes, Texas has a lot of money -- but this isn't football. In practical terms, there's only so much money that can be brought to bear on a college basketball team, and there are plenty of schools willing and able to do it.

Over time, it seems to me that the schools where basketball is king keep rising to the top. Star coaches, like star players, like being the big man on campus. That isn't Texas.

[Razor Shines]

I'm not so sure about it being a top-ten job. Yes, Texas has a lot of money -- but this isn't football. In practical terms, there's only so much money that can be brought to bear on a college basketball team, and there are plenty of schools willing and able to do it.

Over time, it seems to me that the schools where basketball is king keep rising to the top. Star coaches, like star players, like being the big man on campus. That isn't Texas.

But Austin...

[Razor Shines]

Dear Christmas...3 to 2 after five and half minutes of play. This is just gross.

[IslandRed]

But Austin...

Great town, so I hear. Its charms are probably lost on the typical workaholic career-driven eyes-on-the-prize college hoops coach, though.

[Razor Shines]

Great town, so I hear. Its charms are probably lost on the typical workaholic career-driven eyes-on-the-prize college hoops coach, though.

Sounds reasonable.

[Revering4Blue]

I'm not so sure about it being a top-ten job. Yes, Texas has a lot of money -- but this isn't football. In practical terms, there's only so much money that can be brought to bear on a college basketball team, and there are plenty of schools willing and able to do it.

Over time, it seems to me that the schools where basketball is king keep rising to the top. Star coaches, like star players, like being the big man on campus. That isn't Texas.

At the very least, it's arguably a top ten job. Minus the tradition factor, I'd equate Texas with Ohio State as far as schools with the potential to succeed in both sports and I consider Ohio State a Blueblood job, ahead of Michigan State and Wisconsin and Florida, which I consider destination jobs with success directly tied to the coaches there.

Anyway, the desire for a hoops coach at Texas to be the big man on campus is overstated, IMO, and may actually work to Texas' advantage, as a coach like Smart or Marshall may well welcome the idea of a place with resources with less pressure than the Football coach.

[IslandRed]

At the very least, it's arguably a top ten job. Minus the tradition factor, I'd equate Texas with Ohio State as far as schools with the potential to succeed in both sports and I consider Ohio State a Blueblood job, ahead of Michigan State and Wisconsin and Florida, which I consider destination jobs with success directly tied to the coaches there.

Anyway, the desire for a hoops coach at Texas to be the big man on campus is overstated, IMO, and may actually work to Texas' advantage, as a coach like Smart or Marshall may well welcome the idea of a place with resources with less pressure than the Football coach.

In theory. I'm just noting the way it has tended to work in practice. Texas has always had more money than practically anyone else, but it certainly hasn't translated to being a top-ten coaching destination so far, and I don't see what's going to be obviously different going forward. But if I'm wrong, hey, good for Texas.

[Assembly Hall]

In theory. I'm just noting the way it has tended to work in practice. Texas has always had more money than practically anyone else, but it certainly hasn't translated to being a top-ten coaching destination so far, and I don't see what's going to be obviously different going forward. But if I'm wrong, hey, good for Texas.

I just found this........

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150328/SPORTS/150329723/1002

[Stray]

Having a hard time figuring out how Notre Dame is going to shoot over Kentucky's length all night. ND is a very small team that plays awful defense. Would be surprised if it's even close.

Cannot wait for Wisconsin and Arizona. That should be a great game.

[WVRed]

Looks like Rick Barnes has removed himself from consideration for the Texas coaching job.

Well actually Steve Patterson removed him. I'd think Texas would go after a higher profile name than Marshall or Shaka Smart.

[Razor Shines]

Looks like Rick Barnes has removed himself from consideration for the Texas coaching job.

Well actually Steve Patterson removed him. I'd think Texas would go after a higher profile name than Marshall or Shaka Smart.

I'm not sure I see that, like who? Brey? Higher?

[WVRed]

I'm not sure I see that, like who? Brey? Higher?

Sad part is, I don't either.

[Assembly Hall]

Sad part is, I don't either.

This might very well be one for Mark Few.

[WVRed]

A little too close for comfort so far.

[Falls City Beer]

UK will win, but ND is by far the best team they've faced all season.

[redsfanmia]

Sad part is, I don't either.

Hopefully Tom Crean

[Falls City Beer]

Outside of the Louisville game at Louisville, UK didn't really face a lot of tough opponents this season. No, Buffalo, UCLA, and a lame iteration of Kansas don't count. They faced some names, but drill down and those teams, outside of Louisville, were pretty so so.

[Boston Red]

I'd think Texas would go after a higher profile name than Marshall or Shaka Smart.
I don't think a higher profile name than Marshall exists.

[WVRed]

I don't think a higher profile name than Marshall exists.

I was thinking someone from a Power Five conference but I don't think there is anybody who would make sense.

[Assembly Hall]

Outside of the Louisville game at Louisville, UK didn't really face a lot of tough opponents this season. No, Buffalo, UCLA, and a lame iteration of Kansas don't count. They faced some names, but drill down and those teams, outside of Louisville, were pretty so so.

Hang on. Wasnt UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen?

[WVRed]

I look for Kentuckys depth to wear down Notre Dame but for right now I'm not feeling too good about this.

[Falls City Beer]

UCLA was an 11 seed from a terrible conference.

[dabvu2498]

Hang on. Wasnt UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen?

The same UCLA that everyone was pissing and moaning about when they even made the tournament? Yes. That's them.

[Falls City Beer]

The bottom line is this: for the first time all season, UK has to face real talent to win a title. They spent the last two months picking on the worst big money conference in college hoops.

[dabvu2498]

The bottom line is this: for the first time all season, UK has to face real talent to win a title. They spent the last two months picking on the worst big money conference in college hoops.

You could say the say thing about 2012 UK. However, that team had some semblance of guard play.

[Falls City Beer]

You could say the say thing about 2012 UK. However, that team had some semblance of guard play.

They had a tougher non conference schedule that season and a good Florida team in the SEC. This version of the SEC is as bad as I've ever seen it.

[Falls City Beer]

You could say the say thing about 2012 UK. However, that team had some semblance of guard play.

Anthony Davis is still the most impressive college player I've seen in nearly 50 years on this earth. That doesn't hurt either.

[Assembly Hall]

I look for Kentuckys depth to wear down Notre Dame but for right now I'm not feeling too good about this.

Welcome to the NCAA tournament with a bullseye on your back.

[dabvu2498]

They had a tougher non conference schedule that season and a good Florida team in the SEC. This version of the SEC is as bad as I've ever seen it.

Meh. 2012 Florida was 26-11, 10-6. Vanderbilt was 25-11, 10-6. I believe those were the only 2 NCAA teams that year.

[Falls City Beer]

Meh. 2012 Florida was 26-11, 10-6. Vanderbilt was 25-11, 10-6. I believe those were the only 2 NCAA teams that year.

Those two were still better than the garbage that made the tournament this season from the SEC. More talent throughout the SEC that season as well. I think his UK team is better than the 2012 team,,just not as tested.

SEC was utter dumpster water this season. Historic dumpster water. UK spent three months playing mid majors.

[Stray]

That Kentucky isn't demolishing them on the boards is crazy. ND has been outhustling them all night.

[WVRed]

I'm calling it, 37-1.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm calling it, 37-1.

They'll pull it out. Tons of time left.

[dabvu2498]

Those two were still better than the garbage that made the tournament this season from the SEC. More talent throughout the SEC that season as well. I think his UK team is better than the 2012 team,,just not as tested.

SEC was utter dumpster water this season. Historic dumpster water. UK spent three months playing mid majors.

We're going to have to agree to disagree about how bad the SEC was this year. It's been worse, unfortunately.

But I think the "seasoning" argument is a bit overdone too... How many actual mid-majors have made the Final Four in the last ten years? Were they seasoned? Also, were all the Big 12 teams this year, that ran that gauntlet and then got bounced early... Not seasoned enough?

[WVRed]

They'll pull it out. Tons of time left.

I'll shut up now.

[Falls City Beer]

We're going to have to agree to disagree about how bad the SEC was this year. It's been worse, unfortunately.

But I think the "seasoning" argument is a bit overdone too... How many actual mid-majors have made the Final Four in the last ten years? Were they seasoned? Also, were all the Big 12 teams this year, that ran that gauntlet and then got bounced early... Not seasoned enough?
Big 12 was overrated all season. The concentration of talent in the ACC is ridiculous.

[Razor Shines]

I'll shut up now.

Well, Grant just hit a bomb so maybe you shouldn't. Wow, this is a fun game.

[Stray]

Great game man. ND showed a lot tonight, I didn't think they had that in them.

In a lot of ways they outplayed Kentucky but had some horrible offensive possessions down the stretch. Too much one on one when their offensive sets had been carving Kentucky up. No idea why Brey went to that.

[Razor Shines]

Great game man. ND showed a lot tonight, I didn't think they had that in them.

In a lot of ways they outplayed Kentucky but had some horrible offensive possessions down the stretch. Too much one on one when their offensive sets had been carving Kentucky up. No idea why Brey went to that.

Didn't seem like Cal thought so based on that post game interview. Geez.

[RedTeamGo!]

Kentucky is undefeated because the SEC is garbage. If they played in the ACC they would have multiple losses. They had to shoot 80% in the 2nd half to beat Notre Dame by last second free throws.

Go Wisconsin.

[Stray]

Kentucky is undefeated because the SEC is garbage. If they played in the ACC they would have multiple losses. They had to shoot 80% in the 2nd half to beat Notre Dame by last second free throws.

Go Wisconsin.

Eh they're the best team by far imo. They played pretty bad today and ND played great.

Virginia won the ACC and they're not very good. Hard to say Kentucky would or wouldn't have gone undefeated, it's not like they played a cupcake out of conference sched.

[Razor Shines]

I don't hate Kentucky by any means, I think it will be cool for them to win it all undefeated but.....well it'll be many years before I could sit through an Ashley Judd movie again, even a good one.

[RedTeamGo!]

playing 4-5 good OOC teams is a lot different than playing 20 hard in conference games. How in the world did Kentucky play poorly?

They shot over 75% in the 2nd half and best Notre Dame by two last second free throws.

The SEC has proven in this tournament that it is complete garbage outside of Kentucky.

[RedTeamGo!]

I don't hate Kentucky by any means, I think it will be cool for them to win it all undefeated but.....well it'll be many years before I could sit through an Ashley Judd movie again, even a good one.

What is a "good Ashley Judd" movie?

[Stray]

playing 4-5 good OOC teams is a lot different than playing 20 hard in conference games. How in the world did Kentucky play poorly?

They shot over 75% in the 2nd half and best Notre Dame by two last second free throws.

The SEC has proven in this tournament that it is complete garbage outside of Kentucky.

Because Notre Dame is good and Kentucky's defense was hilariously bad tonight?

It's silly to say they would or wouldn't go undefeated in this or that league, they've beaten everyone, good teams and bad. It's not like the ACC is loaded top to bottom. They beat UNC, they beat Louisville, they beat Notre Dame, Virginia wouldn't beat em, and hopefully we find out what Duke can do to em.

[Razor Shines]

What is a "good Ashley Judd" movie?

I've been drinking and after I posted I tried to answer that very question to myself. The only thing I could come up with is "It's been probably 10 years since I've seen A Time To Kill but I liked it back then."

[dabvu2498]

Didn't seem like Cal thought so based on that post game interview. Geez.

"We didn't miss a shot for the last 12:05, but we didn't play very well..."

Uhhhhhhh...

[Razor Shines]

"We didn't miss a shot for the last 12:05, but we didn't play very well..."

Uhhhhhhh...

And "This was your toughest test..."

"We've been tested before."

[WVRed]

And "This was your toughest test..."

"We've been tested before."

Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and LSU.

[Razor Shines]

Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and LSU.

I think he was saying ND was their toughest test. Maybe it's semantics and maybe he's tired of the question about being tested. It just seemed to me that he really didn't want to give any credence to the idea that ND played really well and pushed them to their limit. It was seemed more like "Yeah, they played well but it was more we just played poorly."

[dabvu2498]

I think he was saying ND was their toughest test. Maybe it's semantics and maybe he's tired of the question about being tested. It just seemed to me that he really didn't want to give any credence to the idea that ND played really well and pushed them to their limit. It was seemed more like "Yeah, they played well but it was more we just played poorly."

"We shot 52% from the field and %50 from 3... AND... We held a team that shot 52% for the year to 46%, but we were awful."

[Razor Shines]

Just seemed out of character for Calipari. Maybe my recollection is failing me but I thought he generally goes out of his way to give credit and praise to the other team. He didn't want to do that tonight. I was honestly wondering if perhaps Brey did or said something penishish in the post game hand shake. Maybe I've had too many Heineken's

[forfreelin04]

I think he was saying ND was their toughest test. Maybe it's semantics and maybe he's tired of the question about being tested. It just seemed to me that he really didn't want to give any credence to the idea that ND played really well and pushed them to their limit. It was seemed more like "Yeah, they played well but it was more we just played poorly."

Exactly. It was obvious the interviewer was pretty unhappy with his answers.

I think ole John C got out coached and had trouble admitting it. Mike Brey was brilliant tonight. To get that discipline and play from his players was really quite remarkable.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm calling it, 37-1.

Ah ye of little faith. They had it all the way. I wasn't worried for a second. ;)

[WVRed]

I think he was saying ND was their toughest test. Maybe it's semantics and maybe he's tired of the question about being tested. It just seemed to me that he really didn't want to give any credence to the idea that ND played really well and pushed them to their limit. It was seemed more like "Yeah, they played well but it was more we just played poorly."

It's pretty scary that Notre Dame played the game of their lives tonight and still came up short.

Kentucky had the best game plan to take away the three and force them inside. I don't fault them for that, but the floor spacing really carved them up. I guess this was better than letting them get hot from deep.

[dabvu2498]

Exactly. It was obvious the interviewer was pretty unhappy with his answers.

I think ole John C got out coached and had trouble admitting it. Mike Brey was brilliant tonight. To get that discipline and play from his players was really quite remarkable.

Gonna have to disagree with you there. Brey's utter refusal to double on Towns and/or use a better defender on Towns was ultimately ND's undoing.

[WVRed]

Ah ye of little faith. They had it all the way. I wasn't worried for a second. ;)

You might be the only one.

If anything, this game might be good practice for Wisconsin. Take away Kaminsky and this was essentially the same team.

[Revering4Blue]

Because Notre Dame is good and Kentucky's defense was hilariously bad tonight?

It's silly to say they would or wouldn't go undefeated in this or that league, they've beaten everyone, good teams and bad. It's not like the ACC is loaded top to bottom. They beat UNC, they beat Louisville, they beat Notre Dame, Virginia wouldn't beat em, and hopefully we find out what Duke can do to em.

Hilariously bad?

Jackson and Connaughton were a combined 4-17 from the field. When you're playing against a team with four players on the floor with the ability to create for themselves as well as others, you're not going to stop everyone.

One other note: If Townes doesn't go #1 in the draft - I've yet to hear one decent logical argument that Okafor is better - the GM should be canned on the spot.

[Stray]

After the game on TBS they showed Calipari addressing the crowd saying what a great team Notre Dame was.

[Assembly Hall]

Kentucky's interior defense sucked. What the total rebound count? Notre Dame was a dang fine team......the 'Cats will face a better one next week-end.

[Razor Shines]

After the game on TBS they showed Calipari addressing the crowd saying what a great team Notre Dame was.

I saw that. He did say "what a great basketball team Notre Dame has." Again, maybe it's nothing but he really didn't seem to want to give them credit for pushing Kentucky tonight. Maybe it was just that moment right after the game and being annoyed at the guy asking the questions. I thought it was a little out of character for him, just thought it was interesting.

[Revering4Blue]

Gonna have to disagree with you there. Brey's utter refusal to double on Towns and/or use a better defender on Towns was ultimately ND's undoing.

Maybe. Maybe not. Granted, double-teaming would have been my defense, but UK was hitting from the perimeter, so it likely wouldn't have mattered.

[Stray]

Hilariously bad?

Jackson and Connaughton were a combined 4-17 from the field. When you're playing against a team with four players on the floor with the ability to create for themselves as well as others, you're not going to stop everyone.

One other note: If Townes doesn't go #1 in the draft - I've yet to hear one decent logical argument that Okafor is better - the GM should be canned on the spot.

Their defense was broken down off the dribble all night. Notre Dame got the shots they wanted and didn't turn the ball over. Johnson for Kentucky got abused quite a few times as well. They were outhustled on the boards and missed a ton of rotations.
On the last few possessions ND tried to go to isolations instead of their sets and it lost them the game. The 3 Grant hit didn't come from a great possession, and then Cauley Stein locked him down a couple of times after that.

For the best defensive team I may have ever seen in college basketball, they were pretty bad tonight. I also think it could just be a vulnerability and ND had the personnel to expose it. IIRC Florida played them tough doing the exact same thing.

Agree on Towns tho. If Okafor even played mediocre defense I could see taking him first, but Towns is more well rounded as a player.

[Revering4Blue]

You might be the only one.

If anything, this game might be good practice for Wisconsin. Take away Kaminsky and this was essentially the same team.

Sort of. The difference is the Badgers' front line also starts two 6'9" guys who can hit from three-point land, as well as a 6'10" guy off the bench that can do the same, so the Uk size advantage is mitigated right there.

[WVRed]

Kentucky's interior defense sucked. What the total rebound count? Notre Dame was a dang fine team......the 'Cats will face a better one next week-end.

If Kentucky plays like they did today, they lose by ten. Cal has a week to make adjustments, but this is essentially the same Wisconsin team (minus Traevon Jackson) and Townes, Lyles, Booker, and Ulis (minus Young, Poythress, and Randle)

[Revering4Blue]

Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and LSU.

Exactly. By far, the dumbest narrative out there is the constant comparison to the '91 UNLV from the standpoint of keep it close and they'll fold. Well, that UNLV hadn't been involved in a close game that season until they were ousted in the Final Four. UK has been involved in close calls this year. If anything, that gives them confidence that they'll pull it out.

[WVRed]

Exactly. By far, the dumbest narrative out there is the constant comparison to the '91 UNLV from the standpoint of keep it close and they'll fold. Well, that UNLV hadn't been involved in a close game that season until they were ousted in the Final Four. UK has been involved in close calls this year. If anything, that gives them confidence that they'll pull it out.

Not to mention last years tournament run. The only game that wasn't close was KState.

[RedTeamGo!]

It's pretty scary that Notre Dame played the game of their lives tonight and still came up short.

Kentucky had the best game plan to take away the three and force them inside. I don't fault them for that, but the floor spacing really carved them up. I guess this was better than letting them get hot from deep.

Why do you think nd played the games of their lives? If they played the game of their lives they would have beat Kentucky easily. This is the 2nd best offensive team in the country who shot below their season field goal %. Hardly the game of their lives.

[RedTeamGo!]

I saw that. He did say "what a great basketball team Notre Dame has." Again, maybe it's nothing but he really didn't seem to want to give them credit for pushing Kentucky tonight. Maybe it was just that moment right after the game and being annoyed at the guy asking the questions. I thought it was a little out of character for him, just thought it was interesting.

It's because he doesn't want to admit Notre dame and other teams from the acc urinate on the sec opponents Kentucky was tested by in the regular season.

[cumberlandreds]

Kentucky's interior defense sucked. What the total rebound count? Notre Dame was a dang fine team......the 'Cats will face a better one next week-end.

UK outrebounded them by one. 29-28 IIRC.

[WMR]

Because Notre Dame is good and Kentucky's defense was hilariously bad tonight?

It's silly to say they would or wouldn't go undefeated in this or that league, they've beaten everyone, good teams and bad. It's not like the ACC is loaded top to bottom. They beat UNC, they beat Louisville, they beat Notre Dame, Virginia wouldn't beat em, and hopefully we find out what Duke can do to em.

Don't feed the troll, bro.

[WVRed]

Why do you think nd played the games of their lives? If they played the game of their lives they would have beat Kentucky easily. This is the 2nd best offensive team in the country who shot below their season field goal %. Hardly the game of their lives.

Statistics don't tell the whole story. Notre Dame led the majority of the game and was seemingly driving the ball at will. Every shot Kentucky made Notre Dame had an answer for.

[Assembly Hall]

If Kentucky plays like they did today, they lose by ten. Cal has a week to make adjustments, but this is essentially the same Wisconsin team (minus Traevon Jackson) and Townes, Lyles, Booker, and Ulis (minus Young, Poythress, and Randle)

I am so looking forward to the game. The down side to it, is I wish they were playing each other in the championship.

[Assembly Hall]

UK outrebounded them by one. 29-28 IIRC.

I didnt expect that. It seemed to me that the Irish got every rebound.

[Assembly Hall]

Statistics don't tell the whole story.

You got that right WV. Stats can be very misleading. They dont always tell you what happened in the game.

[RedTeamGo!]

Statistics don't tell the whole story. Notre Dame led the majority of the game and was seemingly driving the ball at will. Every shot Kentucky made Notre Dame had an answer for.

They tell part of the story, and this story is ND played well, but not the best game of their lives.

If they had, they would have won.

[RedTeamGo!]

Don't feed the troll, bro.

You can either ignore me or respond to the content of my post.

Just because you disagree with my opinion does not mean I am a troll. This is not even the Kentucky thread, it is the general college basketball thread. Get over yourself, please.

[Assembly Hall]

They tell part of the story, and this story is ND played well, but not the best game of their lives.

If they had, they would have won.

Well I will say this much. The dominoes were in place. The fact of the matter is that in the end the Irish had a chance to win. They came up one made shot short. It was a great game, probably the best I have watched all year, hell even my wife was glued to the set and she hates sports. But remember, you can play to your fullest potential and still get beat.

[RiverRat13]

I agree that the "Kentucky played poorly, Notre Dame played out of their minds" narrative is extremely unfair to Notre Dame. As stated, Notre Dame was the 2nd best offensive team in the country this year. The only other top 20 teams Kentucky played were UNC (11th) and Vanderbilt (19th). While Kentucky's defense is obviously fantastic overall, it's not surprising that Notre Dame was able to have success last night on the offensive end. As others have said, Cal's strategy was to keep a Notre Dame team that shoots nearly 40% from three off of the line, and that is obviously going to open up some lanes to the basket. Few teams are able to hurt UK in that fashion, but Notre Dame is one of the few. I would argue it was the right strategy to use as it limited Notre Dame to just 4-14 from three.

Brey failed to make an adjustment to Towns killing them inside, completely mis-managed his last two timeouts and went away from what was successful offensively in the last four minutes of the game. So let's not act like Notre Dame played/coached flawlessly.

IF those two teams play 100 times, UK probably wins by an average margin of eight points. It's not exactly unheard of for an eight-point dog to lose by two.

[Stray]

Brey really did coach a great game, but definitely screwed up the end. I'd add one more to the list. They had the ball with a little over a minute, it was their 2nd to last possession. He opted to run the shot clock down instead of going quick and assuring themselves a 2 for 1 and the final shot. Ended with a Cauley Stein block and then a shot clock violation, and then they did get the final shot but was 6 secs and no timeouts. In that situation you gotta make sure you get 20 secs and the final shot.

[RedTeamGo!]

Brey really did coach a great game, but definitely screwed up the end. I'd add one more to the list. They had the ball with a little over a minute, it was their 2nd to last possession. He opted to run the shot clock down instead of going quick and assuring themselves a 2 for 1 and the final shot. Ended with a Cauley Stein block and then a shot clock violation, and then they did get the final shot but was 6 secs and no timeouts. In that situation you gotta make sure you get 20 secs and the final shot.

Nonsense. Mike Brey coached the game of his life.

[Revering4Blue]

I am so looking forward to the game. The down side to it, is I wish they were playing each other in the championship.

Taking this one step further, Wisconsin / Arizona should have been a Final Four matchup, as it's a joke that Zona wasn't a #1 seed. Unlike most, I really had/have no beef with the teams selected for the tourney this year, though I would have been inclined to put Miami in ahead of UCLA, but the seeding process was whacked, to say the least.

[Revering4Blue]

Even against bigger teams, which were virtually every team they played, Brey replaced Auguste with V.J Beachem, who is 6'8" and can hit the three, as his tallest player for stretches of time, and I'm surprised, especially with Auguste in foul trouble and given the willingness to, more or less, concede points inside to Townes, that Brey didn't go that route last night at all. That way, all players would have had to have been accounted for on the other end of the floor - five out - which, likely would have exponentially increased the chances of open driving lanes to the hoop at a higher rate than before, possibly forcing Cal to go smaller, as Townes would have pulled away from the basket, along with WCS.

[Assembly Hall]

Taking this one step further, Wisconsin / Arizona should have been a Final Four matchup, as it's a joke that Zona wasn't a #1 seed. Unlike most, I really had/have no beef with the teams selected for the tourney this year, though I would have been inclined to put Miami in ahead of UCLA, but the seeding process was whacked, to say the least.

Yepper, the seeding made no sense to me whatsoever.

[Assembly Hall]

Even against bigger teams, which were virtually every team they played, Brey replaced Auguste with V.J Beachem, who is 6'8" and can hit the three, as his tallest player for stretches of time, and I'm surprised, especially with Auguste in foul trouble and given the willingness to, more or less, concede points inside to Townes, that Brey didn't go that route last night at all. That way, all players would have had to have been accounted for on the other end of the floor - five out - which, likely would have exponentially increased the chances of open driving lanes to the hoop at a higher rate than before, possibly forcing Cal to go smaller, as Townes would have pulled away from the basket, along with WCS.

Interesting comments Rev. I dunno maybe because the game was so close, Brey didnt change up what was working? Maybe he wanted UK to stay big? ND knew they had match-up problems on the defensive side of the ball. IMHO, they should have made Townes earn his points at the charity stripe......which could have been done. I am gonna have to watch the game again!!!!!!!

[Revering4Blue]

Interesting comments Rev. I dunno maybe because the game was so close, Brey didnt change up what was working? Maybe he wanted UK to stay big? ND knew they had match-up problems on the defensive side of the ball. IMHO, they should have made Townes earn his points at the charity stripe......which could have been done. I am gonna have to watch the game again!!!!!!!

To that end, bring in Geben and play hack-a-Townes. One downfall for Brey, IMO, he doesn't best utilize the components of his bench at times.

[dabvu2498]

To that end, bring in Geben and play hack-a-Townes. One downfall for Brey, IMO, he doesn't best utilize the components of his bench at times.

The Colson kid did a pretty good job defensively when he was in there as well. The only thing is, Auguste was able to compete for rebounds with Kentucky's bigs very well. I wonder if Brey might not have shied away from making a move because of what he would lose on the boards.

[Assembly Hall]

To that end, bring in Geben and play hack-a-Townes. One downfall for Brey, IMO, he doesn't best utilize the components of his bench at times.

Well he is a Duke guy.

[WVRed]

To that end, bring in Geben and play hack-a-Townes. One downfall for Brey, IMO, he doesn't best utilize the components of his bench at times.

That would work if Townes wasn't an excellent free throw shooter.

I think Cal will have a gameplan in place against Wisconsin. Something I took from the game last night was the team spent all of their focus in the week on West Virginia given what was supposed to be the physicality of that game and had nothing left in the tank for Notre Dame. I don't think that will be an issue on Saturday. Either way it will be a great game.

[Assembly Hall]

That would work if Townes wasn't an excellent free throw shooter.

I think Cal will have a gameplan in place against Wisconsin. Something I took from the game last night was the team spent all of their focus in the week on West Virginia given what was supposed to be the physicality of that game and had nothing left in the tank for Notre Dame. I don't think that will be an issue on Saturday. Either way it will be a great game.

Well I would have had him earn his 2 points by making him hit two shots from 15 feet away as opposed to letting him get 2 points with one shot underneath the basket!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

I really just think UK ran into a team that was prepared for them. Let's not forget the Irish played a game with WSU on Thursday.

[Boston Red]

A game where the Irish were a betting line underdog, so it's not like they were able to focus on Kentucky heading into Thursday.

[dabvu2498]

These two teams may not be really good. But they are really tough.

[Revering4Blue]

Dave Leitao will return as the head coach at DePaul, multiple sources told NBCSports.com.

Meet the new boss.......Same as the old boss....

[dabvu2498]

Dave Leitao will return as the head coach at DePaul, multiple sources told NBCSports.com.

Meet the new boss.......Same as the old boss....

There are bad ideas. And then there's repeating a bad idea.

[Revering4Blue]

There are bad ideas. And then there's repeating a bad idea.

He, actually, was the last coach to lead them to the tournament. Even so, you'd think the AD would think outside of the box for once.

[Assembly Hall]

There are bad ideas. And then there's repeating a bad idea.

LOL.....they look all over and this is what they come up with? Ray Meyer is rolling over in his grave.

[WMR]

Outside of the Louisville game at Louisville, UK didn't really face a lot of tough opponents this season. No, Buffalo, UCLA, and a lame iteration of Kansas don't count. They faced some names, but drill down and those teams, outside of Louisville, were pretty so so.

UNC is better than UL. Arky would've given UL all they could handle... UCLA and KU could've beat them on a given night as well.


UL made the E8 because of one of the most fortuitous paths opening up for a 4 seed I can remember.

[WMR]

To that end, bring in Geben and play hack-a-Townes. One downfall for Brey, IMO, he doesn't best utilize the components of his bench at times.

Towns is like an 82% ft shooter.

[WMR]

Louisville was a better team with Snider, however, no doubt about that. Jones was a black hole.

[Revering4Blue]

Towns is like an 82% ft shooter.

D'oh! I somehow transposed the free throw percentages for both Townes and Willie Cauley-Stein. Anyway, not much you can do against Townes. As I stated before, you double team him and he kicks it out to open man and they were hitting from beyond the arc last night.

Pick your poison.

[Revering4Blue]

A certain poster was foolish enough - most likely, the only one - to pick Gonzaga to go the championship game. Oh,well, at least they didn't ruin my bracket earlier in the tourney per usual. WVU and NC State were the only Sweet 16 teams I didn't correctly pick to go that far, so I can't really complain.

Correctly picked all other Final Four teams, though.

[dabvu2498]

He, actually, was the last coach to lead them to the tournament. Even so, you'd think the AD would think outside of the box for once.

True enough. I guess I think of him mostly just looking totally lost at UVa.

[Revering4Blue]

True enough. I guess I think of him mostly just looking totally lost at UVa.

Don't get me wrong...I totally agree with you that it's an underwhelming hire. You're obviously not going to land Miller, Smart or Marshall there, but you certainly can land someone who has totally dominated their conference for at least two seasons and won a considerable amount of games, with teams playing a style likely to attract some Chicagoland area talent and fans. IMO, if the DePaul AD didn't at least gauge the interest of, say. Marvin Menzies and Brad Underwood, it's a major fail.

[dabvu2498]

Don't get me wrong...I totally agree with you that it's an underwhelming hire. You're obviously not going to land Miller, Smart or Marshall there, but you certainly can land someone who has totally dominated their conference for at least two seasons and won a considerable amount of games, with teams playing a style likely to attract some Chicagoland area talent and fans. IMO, if the DePaul AD didn't at least gauge the interest of, say. Marvin Menzies and Brad Underwood, it's a major fail.

Right. It's like they didn't even try. Not exactly a way to inspire confidence.

I'm also hearing some buzz out of Knoxville indicating Rick Barnes may be their guy.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm also hearing some buzz out of Knoxville indicating Rick Barnes may be their guy.


I am hearing the same thing. From what I am seeing his wife is a Tennessee grad.

[Revering4Blue]

Right. It's like they didn't even try. Not exactly a way to inspire confidence.

I'm also hearing some buzz out of Knoxville indicating Rick Barnes may be their guy.

Makes sense. They may have underachieved lately at Texas, but he's proven. Tennessee, by contrast with DePaul, shouldn't, IMO, be reaching.

BTW, one name I keep hearing in regards to both Alabama and Arizona State - not exactly a big name, but a proven winner - Larry Eustachy.

[Revering4Blue]

Chris Mullin, who has been an adviser in the Kings’ front office since September 2013, is expected to accept an offer from St. John’s to be its next men’s basketball head coach, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports writes. Mullin would lead his alma mater following the school’s firing of Steve Lavin on Friday.

[dabvu2498]

Makes sense. They may have underachieved lately at Texas, but he's proven. Tennessee, by contrast with DePaul, shouldn't, IMO, be reaching.

BTW, one name I keep hearing in regards to both Alabama and Arizona State - not exactly a big name, but a proven winner - Larry Eustachy.

Tennessee would be perfect for Eustachy. Think he could handle the coeds at ASU?

[Stray]

Duke vs. Kentucky with history on the line please.

Would be great for college basketball. Game would likely get NFL Playoffs type ratings.

[bucksfan2]

Duke vs. Kentucky with history on the line please.

Would be great for college basketball. Game would likely get NFL Playoffs type ratings.

I think anyone looking at the bracket saw the weakest one and two seeds as Villinova and Virginia. I also thought that two of the best teams in the tournament, two teams that could go toe to toe with UK were Arizona and Wisconsin, two teams who would have to match up just to get to the Final 4. I would have loved to see either Wisconsin or Arizona meet UK in the Championship game, but apparently the bracket makers didn't think the same way.

I heard Vitale on the radio this morning talking about how MSU made it to the Final 4. He talked about how Izzo coaches with so much passion and it reverberates to his players. I call BS on that one, MSU is in the Final 4 because that region was weak, and opened up for them. They are playing well but its not like they had to take down Arizona, Gonzaga, or ND. It looks like the power in the tournament was playing in the Midwest and West brackets, not the East and South. I think Wisconsin and UK should be a great game and do think Duke can give UK a good shot. If MSU makes it to the Finals I think UK steamrolls them.

[Boston Red]

Duke vs. Kentucky with history on the line please.

Would be great for college basketball. Game would likely get NFL Playoffs type ratings.

I'd find something better to do (like organize my sock drawer) and hope for a meteor.

[Revering4Blue]

I'd find something better to do (like organize my sock drawer) and hope for a meteor.

While it may be a decent match up. The nonobjective IU fan in me, which doesn't play as large of a role as it once did, would rather drink the contents of a thermometer than watch either UK or Duke cut down the nets.

That would, IMO, be akin to UK fans having to deal with a Louisville / IU National Championship game.

[Revering4Blue]

I think anyone looking at the bracket saw the weakest one and two seeds as Villinova and Virginia. I also thought that two of the best teams in the tournament, two teams that could go toe to toe with UK were Arizona and Wisconsin, two teams who would have to match up just to get to the Final 4. I would have loved to see either Wisconsin or Arizona meet UK in the Championship game, but apparently the bracket makers didn't think the same way.

I heard Vitale on the radio this morning talking about how MSU made it to the Final 4. He talked about how Izzo coaches with so much passion and it reverberates to his players. I call BS on that one, MSU is in the Final 4 because that region was weak, and opened up for them. They are playing well but its not like they had to take down Arizona, Gonzaga, or ND. It looks like the power in the tournament was playing in the Midwest and West brackets, not the East and South. I think Wisconsin and UK should be a great game and do think Duke can give UK a good shot. If MSU makes it to the Finals I think UK steamrolls them.

That's exactly why I picked MSU to come out of that region. I cannot recall such a weak region. I rated Wisconsin, Arizona and Gonzaga, who absolutely laid an egg against Duke, as the three most likely to beat UK and firmly believe that if Wisconsin doesn't beat them, they'll roll to a championship. I agree that MSU has virtually no chance against UK and Duke was weakened by the loss of Sulaimon, as their bench production is awful, and Okafor isn't exactly a stellar defender. They've obviously got Coach K, though, so you never know, but they've done it with mirrors since losing Sulaimon.

[bucksfan2]

That's exactly why I picked MSU to come out of that region. I cannot recall such a weak region. I rated Wisconsin, Arizona and Gonzaga, who absolutely laid an egg against Duke, as the three most likely to beat UK and firmly believe that if Wisconsin doesn't beat them, they'll roll to a championship. I agree that MSU has virtually no chance against UK and Duke was weakened by the loss of Sulaimon, as their bench production is awful, and Okafor isn't exactly a stellar defender. They've obviously got Coach K, though, so you never know, but they've done it with mirrors since losing Sulaimon.

Until about 5 posts ago I thought you were a UK fan so I disregarded anything you said!!!!

I watched enough of MSU this season to figure out they weren't a great team, they had some good players, they had a good scheme, they have a good coach, but they had enough talent to play with most of the basketball teams in the game. I feel the same way about a lot of the teams in the tournament, even my beloved Buckeyes. I think there were about 5 top tier teams and the rest of the mix was a bunch of blah. Virginia and Nova did enough to warrant their seeding, they just didn't profile as a team to go far in the tournament. I don't mind the style of basketball Virginia plays, but when you goal is to win games 60-55 there is little room for error.

I think the draw is so important going forward, and I do think that some teams tend to get the luck of the draw year in year out (I am looking at you MSU and Duke). I look back to the year OSU was the #1 overall seed and had a killer draw, then WSU got a #1 seed but ran into the most talented team in the tournament in the round of 32. Sometimes that draw brings your fortune, and then sometimes it is killer.

[Revering4Blue]

Until about 5 posts ago I thought you were a UK fan so I disregarded anything you said!!!!

I watched enough of MSU this season to figure out they weren't a great team, they had some good players, they had a good scheme, they have a good coach, but they had enough talent to play with most of the basketball teams in the game. I feel the same way about a lot of the teams in the tournament, even my beloved Buckeyes. I think there were about 5 top tier teams and the rest of the mix was a bunch of blah. Virginia and Nova did enough to warrant their seeding, they just didn't profile as a team to go far in the tournament. I don't mind the style of basketball Virginia plays, but when you goal is to win games 60-55 there is little room for error.

I think the draw is so important going forward, and I do think that some teams tend to get the luck of the draw year in year out (I am looking at you MSU and Duke). I look back to the year OSU was the #1 overall seed and had a killer draw, then WSU got a #1 seed but ran into the most talented team in the tournament in the round of 32. Sometimes that draw brings your fortune, and then sometimes it is killer.

I try to be as objective as possible but sometimes I don't do so well.:D

I agree with everything that you've said. Arizona as a #2 seemed like a joke. You (Ohio State) get Arizona in the second round...MSU gets Virginia. transpose OSU and MSU, given the way that region played itself out, you're likely in the Final Four. As an aside, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but anytime a mid-major is a #1 seed, they tend to load the bracket against them. In addition to WSU last year, '13 Gonzaga's bracket was loaded. We can talk about the cinderellas capturing the hearts of America all we want, but it's obvious that the networks want the big names to reach the final game.

[Boston Red]

In addition to WSU last year, '13 Gonzaga's bracket was loaded.

I don't know that it was that loaded. Wichita State won that region as a #9 seed, and I don't think anyone felt Wichita State was underseeded heading into the Tournament. Pretty sure they were underdogs in Vegas to Pitt in their first game, in fact. Gonzaga would have played a pretty average LaSalle team in the Sweet Sixteen if they could have gotten past the Shockers.

[Assembly Hall]

Until about 5 posts ago I thought you were a UK fan so I disregarded anything you said!!!!

LMFAO!!!!!!!! That brought a smile to my face. Just please dont ever say that about me. Pretty please, with a cherry on top!

MSU will always be dangerous as long as Izzo is the coach, draw or not. Not saying the draw doesnt play into it, just saying Izzo has a way.

[Assembly Hall]

Hmmmmmmmm..........

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25129324/former-texas-coach-rick-barnes-finalizing-deal-with-tennessee

[Revering4Blue]

Shaka Smart to Texas?


If Smart turns down Texas, the Longhorns likely are turn their attention to Utah's Larry Krystkowiak and Xavier's Chris Mack.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25129409/vcus-shaka-smart-in-discussions-with-texas-about-coaching-post

[Revering4Blue]

Hmmmmmmmm..........

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25129324/former-texas-coach-rick-barnes-finalizing-deal-with-tennessee

From the comment section of the article.


He is a heck of recruiter so he will definitely get better talent into Tenn, but from there I think they are going to have the same experience that TX fans have had. "Pretty car with nothing under the hood to win the race"

:lol:

[Revering4Blue]

I don't know that it was that loaded. Wichita State won that region as a #9 seed, and I don't think anyone felt Wichita State was underseeded heading into the Tournament. Pretty sure they were underdogs in Vegas to Pitt in their first game, in fact. Gonzaga would have played a pretty average LaSalle team in the Sweet Sixteen if they could have gotten past the Shockers.

Looking back, you're right. Man, I had forgotten that Wisconsin and Arizona were only #5 and #6 seeds, respectively, that year and - putting it mildly - lacked the firepower of the '15 editions. Wisconsin, was an exceptionally boring team that year, exiting the tourney having only scored 46 against Mitch Henderson and Ole Miss, whose round of 32 battle with LaSalle was one of the best tournament games that year. Ohio State was #2 and New Mexico, who gagged against Harvard, was #3.

[WVRed]

Shaka Smart to Texas?



http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25129409/vcus-shaka-smart-in-discussions-with-texas-about-coaching-post

I think Krystowiak makes the most sense. A NBA guy combined with Texas talent level and resources. Texas just doesn't strike me as a job a mid major coach would excel at.

I'm kinda meh on Barnes to Tennessee. If anything, mediocrity continues in Knoxville.

[kaldaniels]

UD women leading UConn at the half....

[kaldaniels]

UD women leading UConn at the half....

Fun while it lasted.

[WVRed]

On a side note, IF Alabama does land Gregg Marshall, the SEC will feature Marshall, Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, and Ben Howland in addition to Calipari and Billy Donovan. Not too shabby.

[dabvu2498]

Fun while it lasted.

That escalated quickly.

My high school chemistry teacher's daughter played for UD. She took maternity leave when Ally was born and I was in her class. Watching them was fun, but made me feel old.

[dabvu2498]

On a side note, IF Alabama does land Gregg Marshall, the SEC will feature Marshall, Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, and Ben Howland in addition to Calipari and Billy Donovan. Not too shabby.

Fun thought: Mike Anderson has been to the Sweet Sixteen (and Elite 8) more recently than Rick Barnes.

[jimbo]

Fun while it lasted.

UConn actually had to slow it down in the second half. Nobody has been able to run on UConn, but Dayton did for an entire half and led at halftime. Coach Jabir has done an outstanding job with this program. It's a great time to be a Flyer basketball fan.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm kinda meh on Barnes to Tennessee. If anything, mediocrity continues in Knoxville.

The Vols have had coaching messes in both major sports for quite awhile now. It appears the football program is heading in the right direction. If anything Barnes brings a level of stability to the b-ball program. Something that is sorely needed.

[WVRed]

The Vols have had coaching messes in both major sports for quite awhile now. It appears the football program is heading in the right direction. If anything Barnes brings a level of stability to the b-ball program. Something that is sorely needed.

Stability? Yes. But I would equate Texas with Ohio State or Florida . Football first but due to the size of the state and resources available it's an attractive job. I'd be curious to see how well he recruits.

[Revering4Blue]

Stability? Yes. But I would equate Texas with Ohio State or Florida . Football first but due to the size of the state and resources available it's an attractive job. I'd be curious to see how well he recruits.

Alabama, too, although it's not a large state, but the resources are there.

They seemed to attract a decent amount of talent under Sanderson, Hobbs and Gottried, to a degree. What happened?

[Revering4Blue]

I think Krystowiak makes the most sense. A NBA guy combined with Texas talent level and resources. Texas just doesn't strike me as a job a mid major coach would excel at.

I'm kinda meh on Barnes to Tennessee. If anything, mediocrity continues in Knoxville.

It's a safe bet that Smart and Marshall will be successful anywhere. As far as a mid major coach being successful at Texas, Tom Penders came to Austin in '88 following a Sweet 16 appearance for Rhode Island and completely energized the program, but the majority of his success occurred when the Southwest Conference - which went to you know where once Arkansas left for the SEC - still existed.

Nevertheless, I, too, would be inclined to go with Krystkowiak. Those suggesting that he coaches a boring style of play aren't putting in consideration the type of talent that he'll have access to in Austin.

[Revering4Blue]

Fun thought: Mike Anderson has been to the Sweet Sixteen (and Elite 8) more recently than Rick Barnes.

Frank Martin, too. And you have to figure that South Carolina, as a program, will breakthrough soon and at least return to the NCAAs.

[Assembly Hall]

Stability? Yes. But I would equate Texas with Ohio State or Florida . Football first but due to the size of the state and resources available it's an attractive job. I'd be curious to see how well he recruits.

I, too, am curious about the recruiting. I would assume that he still has all his Texas ties and let's not forget he was the HC at Clemson and Providence prior.

[bucksfan2]

Stability? Yes. But I would equate Texas with Ohio State or Florida . Football first but due to the size of the state and resources available it's an attractive job. I'd be curious to see how well he recruits.

You have to be willing to accept the position as well as the benefits and drawbacks. I can only speak to my experience at OSU, and it wasn't exactly during the high point of the program. I still believe this today but have come to accept it, but the Schott is not a good college arena. It is a pro arena, a pro arena with all the elements that go along. It probably is one of the nicest facility in college basketball. I would imagine the training facilities are top notch as well as the locker room and other stuff. When I was there it was discussed often that people would be sitting in the front rows reading books, sleeping, dozing off, etc. There wasn't a good atmosphere, it was for the big dollar spenders, not the students. When Thad got to OSU and shortly afterword they changed a lot of things for the better. They brought the students down on the sidelines, made going to a game an event. Not a football style event like it is at some campuses, but an event where you bring students who enjoy basketball to the games, not watching them on TV.

The things with a place like OSU is basketball is never going to be king. You will always take a back seat to football and when the team is successful football is never ending. But if you are willing to accept that, you can win, and you can win big. You can offer the best facilities, you can use football to help you recruit, you can be comfortable knowing that you will have the funds for your assistants and top notch facilities for your players. The thing with basketball today is that most of your good basketball programs have well paid coaches and chartered flights for both travel and recruiting. What separates the big boys from the mid majors is the exposure. OSU, Texas, Florida, etc can offer anything that any other program can, you just have to accept that you aren't going to be the bell cow. Oh and with that the pressure isn't as extreme, hence Barnes hanging around at Texas disappointing year after disappointing year.

[WVRed]

You have to be willing to accept the position as well as the benefits and drawbacks. I can only speak to my experience at OSU, and it wasn't exactly during the high point of the program. I still believe this today but have come to accept it, but the Schott is not a good college arena. It is a pro arena, a pro arena with all the elements that go along. It probably is one of the nicest facility in college basketball. I would imagine the training facilities are top notch as well as the locker room and other stuff. When I was there it was discussed often that people would be sitting in the front rows reading books, sleeping, dozing off, etc. There wasn't a good atmosphere, it was for the big dollar spenders, not the students. When Thad got to OSU and shortly afterword they changed a lot of things for the better. They brought the students down on the sidelines, made going to a game an event. Not a football style event like it is at some campuses, but an event where you bring students who enjoy basketball to the games, not watching them on TV.

The things with a place like OSU is basketball is never going to be king. You will always take a back seat to football and when the team is successful football is never ending. But if you are willing to accept that, you can win, and you can win big. You can offer the best facilities, you can use football to help you recruit, you can be comfortable knowing that you will have the funds for your assistants and top notch facilities for your players. The thing with basketball today is that most of your good basketball programs have well paid coaches and chartered flights for both travel and recruiting. What separates the big boys from the mid majors is the exposure. OSU, Texas, Florida, etc can offer anything that any other program can, you just have to accept that you aren't going to be the bell cow. Oh and with that the pressure isn't as extreme, hence Barnes hanging around at Texas disappointing year after disappointing year.

It's basically Kentucky in reverse.

[dabvu2498]

Frank Martin, too. And you have to figure that South Carolina, as a program, will breakthrough soon and at least return to the NCAAs.

Forgot about Martin making an Elite 8! Good call.

Carolina was young this year. Not very good, but young. They allegedly have a nice recruiting class coming in as well. They need to show some improvement or his seat will get toasty.

In good news, Damian Jones is coming back for my Commodores. VU could be tough next year if Jones toughens up and matures a little bit and one of their incoming bigs can provide a little depth.

[cumberlandreds]

Forgot about Martin making an Elite 8! Good call.

Carolina was young this year. Not very good, but young. They allegedly have a nice recruiting class coming in as well. They need to show some improvement or his seat will get toasty.

In good news, Damian Jones is coming back for my Commodores. VU could be tough next year if Jones toughens up and matures a little bit and one of their incoming bigs can provide a little depth.

That's really good news for Vandy. They improved more than anyone in the SEC this year. They should be really tough next season.

[Assembly Hall]

It's basically Kentucky in reverse.

I dont know if it is quite that extreme. Ohio St. has been a player in the national landscape in basketball in my lifetime. In that regard, Michigan has as well. Doesnt seem to matter who their coaches are, they have established themselves in hoops. Where as UK is almost an after thought when it comes to football.

[Revering4Blue]

Definitely good news for the 'Dores, who also have four four-star recruits coming. A&M has quietly assembled the third ranked, as of now, for next year, including a five star center.

Missouri's leading scorer and rebounder is transferring, but how much worse can it get there? Talk about an underachieving program. Did Frank Haith really leave the cupboard that bare when he left?

As for Martin, he'll get significantly more rope than Horn and he walked into a much worse situation than Dave Odom did when he surprisingly left Wake Forest in '01. The good news for South Carolina: They return virtually everyone from last season along with a good recruiting class, as you mentioned. The bad news: Their one loss is their leading scorer, Tyrone Johnson.

[Revering4Blue]

I dont know if it is quite that extreme. Ohio St. has been a player in the national landscape in basketball in my lifetime. In that regard, Michigan has as well. Doesnt seem to matter who their coaches are, they have established themselves in hoops. Where as UK is almost an after thought when it comes to football.

I agree. IMO, a better comp is Arizona. Even though they've rebounded in football under RichRod, they're a basketball program first and foremost. UCLA, too.

[Boston Red]

Alabama is interested in Richard Pitino. The longer there is no "news" out of Wichita, and the more we hear about new candidates for Bama, the more likely it is that Marshall is sticking with the Shockers. Personally, I do not think going to Alabama makes any sense for Marshall.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/298173661.html

[bucksfan2]

Alabama is interested in Richard Pitino. The longer there is no "news" out of Wichita, and the more we hear about new candidates for Bama, the more likely it is that Marshall is sticking with the Shockers. Personally, I do not think going to Alabama makes any sense for Marshall.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/298173661.html

If the Minnesota coach didn't have the last name Pitino how much buzz would there be about him? I haven't been all that impressed with him at Minnesota and his only real accomplishment is making the finals of the Sun Belt and winning the NIT.

[Assembly Hall]

Alabama is interested in Richard Pitino. The longer there is no "news" out of Wichita, and the more we hear about new candidates for Bama, the more likely it is that Marshall is sticking with the Shockers. Personally, I do not think going to Alabama makes any sense for Marshall.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/298173661.html

Hmmmmm. Just as you think Bama makes no sense for Marshall, I think Pitino makes no sense for Bama.

[Assembly Hall]

If the Minnesota coach didn't have the last name Pitino how much buzz would there be about him? I haven't been all that impressed with him at Minnesota and his only real accomplishment is making the finals of the Sun Belt and winning the NIT.

Bingo!!!!!!!! I havent been impressed with him in the least for the Gophers.

[IslandRed]

I dont know if it is quite that extreme. Ohio St. has been a player in the national landscape in basketball in my lifetime. In that regard, Michigan has as well. Doesnt seem to matter who their coaches are, they have established themselves in hoops. Where as UK is almost an after thought when it comes to football.

Right. There are a lot fewer basketball-first schools, so it's easier for a football school to have crossover success than the other way around.

[Assembly Hall]

I was gonna put this in the UK forum, but I thought it might be better served here. Pretty interesting article......

http://www.elkharttruth.com/sports/college-sports/indiana-university/2015/03/31/76-Hoosiers-hoping-Kentucky-can-pull-off-perfect-quest.html

[RedTeamGo!]

On a side note, IF Alabama does land Gregg Marshall, the SEC will feature Marshall, Rick Barnes, Bruce Pearl, and Ben Howland in addition to Calipari and Billy Donovan. Not too shabby.

Rick Barnes, Ben Howland, and Bruce Pearl are pretty shabby.

Rick Barnes for years has received incredible recruits and has done absolutely nothing with them.

Ben Howland was a good coach....15 years ago.

Bruce Pearl is shady.

[Boston Red]

And Gregg Marshall isn't going to Alabama.

[Chip R]

Texas may have their guy. ;)

http://www.burntorangenation.com/2015/4/1/8325453/stevens-in-talks-to-become-next-texas-basketball-coach

[WVRed]

Texas may have their guy. ;)

http://www.burntorangenation.com/2015/4/1/8325453/stevens-in-talks-to-become-next-texas-basketball-coach

April Fools

[Boston Red]

Gregg Marshall got $3.3 million per year for seven years to stay at Wichita State. Let that sink in.

[Assembly Hall]

Gregg Marshall got $3.3 million per year for seven years to stay at Wichita State. Let that sink in.

Yep. The threat of leaving commands more money. They all do it.

[Boston Red]

Sure, they all do it, but that money at Wichita State is insane. I'm thinking the last coach in the Valley to sniff the top 10 in coaches' salaries was probably Denny Crum. That was not recently.

[IslandRed]

Sometimes a mid-major has to decide if it's going to play with the big boys or not. Good for them.

[Assembly Hall]

Sure, they all do it, but that money at Wichita State is insane. I'm thinking the last coach in the Valley to sniff the top 10 in coaches' salaries was probably Denny Crum. That was not recently.

You are probably right on the Crum thing. Basketball, or the power, was not the same back then. I am thinking Crum took the Cards to two FF's while they were in the Valley.

[Assembly Hall]

Sometimes a mid-major has to decide if it's going to play with the big boys or not. Good for them.

I concur ala Gonzaga.

[Boston Red]

I concur ala Gonzaga.

Wichita State is paying Marshall close to 3X what Gonzaga is paying to Few. Gonzaga certainly stepped up, but at some point Few obviously decided money wasn't the most important thing to him.

[Assembly Hall]

Wichita State is paying Marshall close to 3X what Gonzaga is paying to Few. Gonzaga certainly stepped up, but at some point Few obviously decided money wasn't the most important thing to him.

Few saw what happened to the guy he took over for. Where is Monson anyway? Long Beach St? That Minnesota gig was a dandy. Few definitely feels happy where he is at. I think Marshall does do. And lets make no mistake about it the Valley is a heckuva lot better than whatever conference the Zags play in. I say that because I dont even know what conference they play in! LOL My point over all is that these "mid-major" coaches see what has happened to others that have made the jump to a big program. Sure, some have succeeded, but if they fail, it can be a career killer. I think they realize that these days, and good money aint nothing to them.

[Boston Red]

And lets make no mistake about it the Valley is a heckuva lot better than whatever conference the Zags play in.

Disagree. They're very similar. Particularly now that BYU is a part of the WCC. And Creighton is no longer in the Valley.

[Assembly Hall]

Disagree. They're very similar. Particularly now that BYU is a part of the WCC. And Creighton is no longer in the Valley.

How many teams from that conference have made it to the FF?

[Boston Red]

One, I think. How many from the Valley have won a national title (current members only)?

[Assembly Hall]

One, I think. How many from the Valley have won a national title (current members only)?

Which one and in what year? 4 members from the Valley have won championships, I dont think any of them are current members. I am guessing Cincinnati and Oklahoma A&M. I think Louisville was in the Metro as well when they won it in '80.

[Boston Red]

San Francisco with Bill Russell. That is, of course, about as meaningful as Louisville and Cincinnati's history in the Valley. As they stand today, they're very similar.

[Chip R]

Wichita State is paying Marshall close to 3X what Gonzaga is paying to Few. Gonzaga certainly stepped up, but at some point Few obviously decided money wasn't the most important thing to him.

WSU has the Koch brothers as big boosters - yes, those Koch brothers. It really helps when your boosters have very deep pockets.

[Boston Red]

WSU has the Koch brothers as big boosters - yes, those Koch brothers. It really helps when your boosters have very deep pockets.

Just one of them. David lives in NYC and I'm pretty sure doesn't give a damn about the Shockers. But Charles's name is on their building, and he occasionally goes to the games. Chase, who is Charles's son, is a regular at the games and is apparently a big fan.

[Assembly Hall]

San Francisco with Bill Russell. That is, of course, about as meaningful as Louisville and Cincinnati's history in the Valley. As they stand today, they're very similar.

You are going back to 1957 with the Dons. Historically the MVC has been a much better conference. And they are today as well.

[Stray]

ESPN isn't renewing their contract with Bob Knight. They've basically been hiding him away on obscure broadcasts for a while now.

Good riddance, he was awful.

[Assembly Hall]

ESPN isn't renewing their contract with Bob Knight. They've basically been hiding him away on obscure broadcasts for a while now.

Good riddance, he was awful.

LOL........they should have done that with Vitale a long time ago. He has been awful from the get go. At least Knight talked X's and O's. Let's face it, Bob is just getting old, which means I am as well.

[Boston Red]

And they are today as well.

Based on what? The Sagarin ratings certainly do not bear that out.

[Assembly Hall]

Based on what? The Sagarin ratings certainly do not bear that out.

Well, the Sagarin ratings said the Big 12 was the best conference this year. How did that play out?

[Razor Shines]

Shaka Smart to UT. People around here are pretty excited, I would be too if I were a Horns fan.

http://texas.247sports.com/Bolt/Texas-hires-Shaka-Smart-as-new-head-basketball-coach-36576706

[dabvu2498]

Sounds like Billy D. is mulling a "return" to the NBA. That would have to be Ricky Jr.'s job to lose, you'd think.

[Revering4Blue]

Shaka Smart to UT. People around here are pretty excited, I would be too if I were a Horns fan.

http://texas.247sports.com/Bolt/Texas-hires-Shaka-Smart-as-new-head-basketball-coach-36576706

What? Why? Jeff Capel is still available. I kid.I kid.

[Revering4Blue]

Sounds like Billy D. is mulling a "return" to the NBA. That would have to be Ricky Jr.'s job to lose, you'd think.

That's what ESPN is reporting. Yet, CBS Sports is reporting that Donovan has agreed to an extension with Florida.

Which is it?

[Revering4Blue]

LOL........they should have done that with Vitale a long time ago. He has been awful from the get go. At least Knight talked X's and O's. Let's face it, Bob is just getting old, which means I am as well.

Which is what I want from an analyst. Bob does that well. Here's hoping Fox Sports or CBS Sports Network offer him a job.

[Revering4Blue]

One day after Center Walter Pitchford gave up basketball to concentrate on schoolwork, Terran Petteway will leave Nebraska for the NBA Draft. Using Razor's line again, Nebraska is likely to occupy bedpan status in the B1G for awhile. Outside of Virginia Tech or Washington State, it's probably the most difficult Major Conference job for sustained success.

[KronoRed]

Sounds like Billy D. is mulling a "return" to the NBA. That would have to be Ricky Jr.'s job to lose, you'd think.

Not a chance in hell will Ricky JR be in the top 10 of coaches considered to replace Billy if he ever leaves.

[KronoRed]

That's what ESPN is reporting. Yet, CBS Sports is reporting that Donovan has agreed to an extension with Florida.

Which is it?

It's both.

The NBA rumor has been around for awhile, apparently ESPN just realized it.

[Assembly Hall]

One day after Center Walter Pitchford gave up basketball to concentrate on schoolwork, Terran Petteway will leave Nebraska for the NBA Draft. Using Razor's line again, Nebraska is likely to occupy bedpan status in the B1G for awhile. Outside of Virginia Tech or Washington State, it's probably the most difficult Major Conference job for sustained success.

The Huskers are getting hit hard. I wonder if it is due to Miles?

[Revering4Blue]

Not a chance in hell will Ricky JR be in the top 10 of coaches considered to replace Billy if he ever leaves.

If his father were a TV repairman, would he even have the Gopher gig now after only one season at Florida International?

[Revering4Blue]

The Huskers are getting hit hard. I wonder if it is due to Miles?
Doubt it. Petteway is 23 and on track to graduate in May, so that played into his decision. Miles isn't a bad coach at all, but that's just a tough gig - Yes, even tougher than Rutgers, as B1G jobs go, as Rutgers, at least, is obviously located within a decent recruiting base.

BTW, as long as we're talking B1G hoops, Diamond Stone choosing Maryland over Wisconsin is a game-changer. They're easily, as things stand today, a Top five team next year.

[KronoRed]

If his father were a TV repairman, would he even have the Gopher gig now after only one season at Florida International?

Nope, maybe he'd be an assistant TV repairman :D

[Stray]

Taking Kentucky and Duke today.

I do think MSU can give Duke some problems with how well the Spartans play D, but Duke will make enough shots.

Wisconsin and Kentucky should be a lot of fun. Two great coaches and two great teams. The best offense vs the best defense, etc.. Kentucky will find a way because they always do.

It'll all setup the best championship game matchup we've had in college basketball in a loooong time.

[Assembly Hall]

Nope, maybe he'd be an assistant TV repairman :D

LMAO!!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

Taking Kentucky and Duke today.

I do think MSU can give Duke some problems with how well the Spartans play D, but Duke will make enough shots.

Wisconsin and Kentucky should be a lot of fun. Two great coaches and two great teams. The best offense vs the best defense, etc.. Kentucky will find a way because they always do.

It'll all setup the best championship game matchup we've had in college basketball in a loooong time.

Here in B1G country we are all pulling for a Wisconsin/MSU match-up. Now that would be a good one.

[Razor Shines]

Here in B1G country we are all pulling for a Wisconsin/MSU match-up. Now that would be a good one.

Nah. Give me Duke vs. UK, that's the best game. I like Duke so I hope they win, but it would be cool to see UK go undefeated too. Wisconsin and MSU are the last two teams I'd want to win.

[cumberlandreds]

Here in B1G country we are all pulling for a Wisconsin/MSU match-up. Now that would be a good one.

Wisconsin/Mich State would be a real snoooooooooooooooooooze fest. I have felt since very early in the season its been destined for UK/Duke final. Just one night away from that happening.

[Assembly Hall]

Wisconsin/Mich State would be a real snoooooooooooooooooooze fest. I have felt since very early in the season its been destined for UK/Duke final. Just one night away from that happening.

LOL......not for me!!!!!!!

[Revering4Blue]

In a perfect world, Wisconsin/UK would be the final. Does anybody really believe that either Duke, who lost to ND twice, or MSU has more than a puncher's chance against UK, assuming they beat Wisky?

[Assembly Hall]

In a perfect world, Wisconsin/UK would be the final. Does anybody really believe that either Duke, who lost to ND twice, or MSU has more than a puncher's chance against UK, assuming they beat Wisky?

Yepper, I feel the championship game tips off in a few hours.

[WVRed]

If Duke beats Kentucky, it will be a hack job officiated game.. Regardless, there is so many storylines for this game if it does materialize.

Over/under how many times Laettner is shown?

[dabvu2498]

Bill Raftery is doing his first TV Final Four... After doing them for 23 years on the radio. That's incredible. This is the broadcast pairing that always should have been. .

[Revering4Blue]

If Duke beats Kentucky, it will be a hack job officiated game.. Regardless, there is so many storylines for this game if it does materialize.

Over/under how many times Laettner is shown?

If they play like they did tonight in all aspects of the game - offense, defense, bench - who knows? If Duke/UK comes to fruition, I hope that the story-lines are toned down, Enough of Laettner already.

[Revering4Blue]

Well, even Bob Knight has gone UK Blue.

https://twitter.com/bates_ed/status/584499407665569792/photo/1

[Razor Shines]

If Duke beats Kentucky, it will be a hack job officiated game.. Regardless, there is so many storylines for this game if it does materialize.

Over/under how many times Laettner is shown?

Good heavens. :rolleyes:

[Razor Shines]

In a perfect world, Wisconsin/UK would be the final. Does anybody really believe that either Duke, who lost to ND twice, or MSU has more than a puncher's chance against UK, assuming they beat Wisky?

ND who pushed Kentucky to their limit last week? Yeah, Duke has to play their best game of the season and Kentucky has to be a little off but I give Duke a chance.

[Razor Shines]

Well, even Bob Knight has gone UK Blue.

https://twitter.com/bates_ed/status/584499407665569792/photo/1

That's why ESPN didn't renew him, he's lost his damn mind. I hope all those ladies addressed him as "sir" or "mr".

[Boston Red]

Good heavens. :rolleyes:

Gotta get out in front of these things. :)

[Razor Shines]

Bill Raftery also shouts "pull up magic!" every morning he wakes up with dry sheets.

[Stray]

Great game so far.

[WVRed]

How do you shoot 59% and be down four?

Cal is gonna get T'd up before this game is over. Refs are calling absolutely nothing on Wisconsin.

[The Operator]

These officials suck.

[dabvu2498]

How do you shoot 59% and be down four?

Cal is gonna get T'd up before this game is over. Refs are calling absolutely nothing on Wisconsin.

Current fouls: 11-9

[Boston Red]

Haha, and Kentucky fans are complaining about the refs.

[RiverRat13]

UK fans can shut up about the refs now.

[dabvu2498]

Haha, and Kentucky fans are complaining about the refs.

And their guy got away with a flagrant.

[Roy Tucker]

How that's not even a foul, not alone a flagrant, is a whole boatload of crap.

[WVRed]

UK fans can shut up about the refs now.

No argument from me. That switched quickly.

Wisconsin is gassed and UK is playing stall ball. Not a good idea.

[Boston Red]

Wisky's turn for a favorable call!

[WVRed]

These officials are horrible, from both sides.

[The Operator]

And now Wisconsin gets away with a clear shot clock violation to tie the game.


These officials suck on every level. They've made terrible calls against both teams.

[RiverRat13]

UK fans can commence complaining. Yeesh.

[The Operator]

UK fans can commence complaining. Yeesh.


These officials suck on every level. They've made terrible calls against both teams.

[Boston Red]

Twitter will be glorious tonight if Kentucky loses.

[kaldaniels]

Calipari's face is priceless.

[Boston Red]

Calipari's face is priceless.

Oh, I'm sure there's a price he'd sell it for.

[kaldaniels]

Oh, I'm sure there's a price he'd sell it for.

$38.10?

[Dom Heffner]

Cue up Daniel Powter.

[Roy Tucker]

Big time game for Wisconsin.

[dabvu2498]

If I wasn't going to Opening Day, I'd be all over stubhub right now. Probably some tickets available for a nice price for Monday night.

[RedTeamGo!]

Better TEAM won.

[Slippin'Jimmy]

Congratulations Wisconsin. Now, for the love of all that is holy.....beat Dook.

[Joseph]

I still don't understand the absolute hate against UK. But you guys go ahead and enjoy the misery of your interweb 'friends'.

[Stray]

That was a great game by two awesome teams.

UK went into prevent defense with 4 minutes to go and it lost the game for them. They lost all their rhythm and couldn't get it back.

Refs were indeed terrible, but I don't know that it favored one team or the other. In the last 10 minutes of the game I think they got every call wrong.

[Stray]

Better TEAM won.

If that were a 7 game series it'd be a tossup. Both teams went on runs and Wisconsin got the last one in.

I came away impressed by how good of a game it was by two pretty evenly matched teams. For as much bad college basketball as there is, that was a treat.

[Boston Red]

I still don't understand the absolute hate against UK.

You either are you or you've never met one. Only two ways to not hate UK fans (as a collective group; there are, of course, some individual UK fans who I really like - love even (my father, for example).

[RedTeamGo!]

Kentucky fans are the Osu football fans of basketball.

Source: I am an Osu fan