College Basketball 2014-15

[dabvu2498]

I know we have a ton of individual team threads out there, but I figured this would give us a place for more general talk. I haven't gotten to watch a ton of games yet, but I will.

So, who have you seen that looks good, bad or just ugly?

Oh yes, go Dores, as well. :)

[Boston Red]

I really liked Gonzaga the other night against SMU. Gary Bell, Jr. and Kevin Pangos are a great backcourt, and they added a graduate transfer from USC that averaged 18ppg there last year. They also have a 7-1 Polish center who is pretty solid. Wiltjer transferred in from Kentucky and rounds out the starting five. Not a great player, but he can shoot and is a pretty solid fifth option. They seem to have quite a bit of depth, but no one on the bench REALLY stood out other than Arvydas Sabonis's kid. He is just a freshman and is going to be a stud. Not sure how long Gonzaga will get to keep him. The Zags visit Tucson December 6th, and outside of Xavier games that is probably the regular season college basketball I am most looking forward to.

[Boston Red]

Creighton and Oklahoma are in the middle of a good old good one on Fox Sports 1 right now. Creighton is on a 21-2 run to erase a 17 point second half deficit with about 12 to play.

[dabvu2498]

Creighton and Oklahoma are in the middle of a good old good one on Fox Sports 1 right now. Creighton is on a 21-2 run to erase a 17 point second half deficit with about 12 to play.

Plus Raftery is doing that game. Two nights of Bill in a row for you, eh?

[Boston Red]

Having Raff do Xavier/LBSU was amazing. That says everything about how different the world is for Xavier these days compared to twenty years ago when I was a freshman.

[Boston Red]

Gonzaga nipped St. Joe's by 52 last night.

[Assembly Hall]

Gonzaga nipped St. Joe's by 52 last night.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet it was close right up until the opening tip!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

BTW......I just saw this..........

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24823075/status-of-butlers-coach-on-hiatus-brandon-miller-remains-a-mystery

[Revering4Blue]

A scary thing about Gonzaga? The Bulldogs are going to add another impactful piece when Eric McClellan is eligible in December. A transfer from Vanderbilt, McClellan averaged 14.3 points during 12 games for the Commodores last season and is fast in the open floor. With the addition of McClellan, Mark Few's team will have 10 separate players capable of scoring in double figures on a regular basis.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24826022/observations-indiana-freshman-james-blackmon-shows-maturity

[Boston Red]

Villanova is waxing VCU down the stretch. I expected that one to go down to the wire.

[RedTeamGo!]

Indiana lost to Eastern Washington.

Tom Crean was seen requesting quotes on movers after the game.

[Razor Shines]

Indiana lost to Eastern Washington.

Tom Crean was seen requesting quotes on movers after the game.

Eh, it WAS Eastern Washington probably a top 5 team in the state of Washington this year.

[traderumor]

Ohio State has had some close calls like this in the cupcake portion of their schedule, but always managed to survive without the embarrassing loss.

I hear EWU is moving up from their previous No. 151 ranking. Just can't trust those preseason polls anyhow. Clearly, they must be at least deserving to be in the top 150.

[Revering4Blue]

Such hyperbole.


Villanova’s win is evidence of why VCU may have peaked as a basketball program

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/25/mondays-win-is-evidence-of-why-vcu-may-have-peaked-as-a-basketball-program/

[Boston Red]

Everyone knows that if you lose a college basketball game against a highly ranked foe on November 24th that not only is your season over, but your program is wrecked. Smart should probably start looking for greener pastures.

[Boston Red]

Big win for Butler over UNC today. This cannot possibly continue, but so far the Big East is 37-2 with Marquette owning both losses. Now, DePaul has only played twice, which has to skew the data, but still that's quite a nice start for the league.

[Boston Red]

Wisconsin/Duke was today's marquee matchup for sure, but there's an excellent matchup in Salt Lake tipping off in a few minutes. Wichita State is visiting Utah tonight. This is definitely the toughest game in the non-conference portion of the Shockers' schedule this year.

[Boston Red]

I'm probably the only one here who actually watched Utah/Wichita State, but that was a fantastic ballgame. 10-0 Wichita State run to start the game, and a 14-1 run by Wichita State at the very end to force OT. the only negative is that the end was sort of marred by 5 missed FTs in the last 7 seconds of OT.

[Stray]

Michigan just lost to NJIT, whoever that is.

[cumberlandreds]

Michigan just lost to NJIT, whoever that is.

A bunch of computer and engineering nerds in training. New Jersey Institute of Technology.

[Assembly Hall]

And Purdue goes down at home to North Florida??????? Wow.

[Slyder]

Michigan just lost to NJIT, whoever that is.


And Purdue goes down at home to North Florida??????? Wow.

So Big 10 stinks again?

[Assembly Hall]

So Big 10 stinks again?

LOL...........they suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

No love for the ACC? As Wiscy Green Bay knocks off the Hurricanes on their home floor by double digits. Gonna be an interesting year.......heck they all are anymore.

[Revering4Blue]

No love for the ACC? As Wiscy Green Bay knocks off the Hurricanes on their home floor by double digits. Gonna be an interesting year.......heck they all are anymore.

Or Georgia Tech falling at home to South Carolina - Upstate. This kind of parity obviously doesn't exist in College Football.

[Assembly Hall]

Or Georgia Tech falling at home to South Carolina - Upstate. This kind of parity obviously doesn't exist in College Football.


LOL.....well obviously the ACC sucks as well!

And Rev, it doesn't exist in football. You don't have "one and dones". The smaller school guys have been playing together for awhile. Don't see that much at the big time programs.

[JaxRed]

And Purdue goes down at home to North Florida??????? Wow.

North Florida....... Jacksonville, Florida might I add.....

[Kingspoint]

The New Jersey Institute of Technology win over Michigan is a great story.

http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/cbk/recap.asp?g=201412060357

[Stray]

Watched Gonzaga and Arizona yesterday. Both have very good teams, I was especially impressed with Arizona's defense. Love the Zags, but Pangos struggled against size and that'll prolly get them in the tournament.

[Assembly Hall]

Watched Gonzaga and Arizona yesterday. Both have very good teams, I was especially impressed with Arizona's defense. Love the Zags, but Pangos struggled against size and that'll prolly get them in the tournament.


I have watched the Zags play a couple of times this year. They look tough.

[Boston Red]

Nebraska lost to something called Incarnate Word tonight. This was supposed to be Nebraska ' s year finally in basketball, but it's not looking so good for them.

[Revering4Blue]

Undefeated in B1G play:

NJIT, Incarnate Word, St. Peters, Eastern Washington, Eastern Michigan, and Charlotte.

[Boston Red]

Ha, poor Charlotte getting thrown into that group.

[Revering4Blue]

Ha, poor Charlotte getting thrown into that group.

Yeah, Charlotte's an established program. IIRC, Charlotte was favored against Penn State in that Charleston Classic game and won in double overtime. I watched most of that game -- one of the better games so far this season, which is saying a lot.

[Revering4Blue]

Great games -- at least on paper -- this weekend. Here's a preview.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/12/weekend-preview-kansas-kentucky-ucla-all-with-major-home-tests/

[Revering4Blue]

This website lists a week-by-week schedule of televised -- including ESPN 3 -- games. It really comes in handy.

http://mattsarzsports.com/Season/Contents?sportYear=basketball201415#.VIu0fMnqd0s

[cumberlandreds]

This website lists a week-by-week schedule of televised -- including ESPN 3 -- games. It really comes in handy.

http://mattsarzsports.com/Season/Contents?sportYear=basketball201415#.VIu0fMnqd0s

That's a great site. I use it all the time to plan my college sports viewing.

[Assembly Hall]

Nebraska lost to something called Incarnate Word tonight. This was supposed to be Nebraska ' s year finally in basketball, but it's not looking so good for them.


How much do the Huskers have returning from last year's squad?

[Assembly Hall]

Undefeated in B1G play:

NJIT, Incarnate Word, St. Peters, Eastern Washington, Eastern Michigan, and Charlotte.


Didn't like North Florida beat Purdue? I just remember that somebody did you wouldn't have expected. And I laughed because I was at my woman's family's Thanksgiving and it was full of Purdue grads. They raved about how the Boilers were gonna surprise quite a few this year.

[Revering4Blue]

How much do the Huskers have returning from last year's squad?

Everyone with the exception of one starting guard and the first guard off the bench. As of now, the two guards replacing them in this year's rotation have yet to match the production of the departed two guards. It should also be noted that Leslee Smith, a key big man off the bench, is currently sidelined with an injury and Georgetown transfer, Moses Abraham hasn't come close to matching Smith's production.

[Revering4Blue]

Didn't like North Florida beat Purdue? I just remember that somebody did you wouldn't have expected. And I laughed because I was at my woman's family's Thanksgiving and it was full of Purdue grads. They raved about how the Boilers were gonna surprise quite a few this year.

How on earth did I forget about North Florida? I wouldn't quite count out Purdue to ultimately surprise, though. We'll see how they fare at Vandy tonight.

It's really difficult to project the B1G this year. I never put any stock into the ACC/B1G challenge, as the match-ups are determined by preseason polls and generally favor the home team. As of now, after Wisconsin and Ohio State -- not necessarily in that order -- it's anybody's guess as to who will finish where in the B1G.

[Assembly Hall]

How on earth did I forget about North Florida? I wouldn't quite count out Purdue to ultimately surprise, though. We'll see how they fare at Vandy tonight.

It's really difficult to project the B1G this year. I never put any stock into the ACC/B1G challenge, as the match-ups are determined by preseason polls and generally favor the home team. As of now, after Wisconsin and Ohio State -- not necessarily in that order -- it's anybody's guess as to who will finish where in the B1G.

Yeah I agree. Purdue has something a lot of teams don't have. Two legitimate big men. But North Florida?

[dabvu2498]

I wouldn't quite count out Purdue to ultimately surprise, though. We'll see how they fare at Vandy tonight.



Oh yes... I forgot to mention... Boom.

[Assembly Hall]

Oh yes... I forgot to mention... Boom.


LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!! And of course the boom was delivered by a former Purdue boy.

[Sea Ray]

Didn't like North Florida beat Purdue? I just remember that somebody did you wouldn't have expected. And I laughed because I was at my woman's family's Thanksgiving and it was full of Purdue grads. They raved about how the Boilers were gonna surprise quite a few this year.

They were right...losing to NF is a surprise...

[Boston Red]

I'm headed to Charles Koch Arena tonight for Alabama and Wichita State. Should be a fun environment. Dicky V will be in the house.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm headed to Charles Koch Arena tonight for Alabama and Wichita State. Should be a fun environment. Dicky V will be in the house.

Have fun man!!!!!!! Hope it is an entertaining game.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm headed to Charles Koch Arena tonight for Alabama and Wichita State. Should be a fun environment. Dicky V will be in the house.

Looked like a good game. Wichita won by one point.

[Boston Red]

Looked like a good game. Wichita won by one point.

And the Shockers finished with a 13-1 run to win by 1. It was crazy loud in there during that run.

[Assembly Hall]

And the Shockers finished with a 13-1 run to win by 1. It was crazy loud in there during that run.


I am jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!

[traderumor]

I'm headed to Charles Koch Arena tonight for Alabama and Wichita State. Should be a fun environment. Dicky V will be in the house.

I have experienced a lot of live sporting events over the years. I have found the most intense environment, and most entertaining I might add, is a major college basketball game. I had season tickets for two years during the Jimmy Jackson era, and I will never forget the noise that the old tin roof barn known as St. John's Arena would generate. Still to this day the most memorable game ever was a game against Louisville that Ohio State made a furious comeback, but then kept on getting dagger threes from the Louisville guards every time the Bucks looked like they would pull away, but ended up winning the game in the end. It was crazy.

[Stray]

Scary stuff for Mick. An unruptured aneurysm was found and he won't be coaching the Bearcats today.

Hopefully that isn't as bad as it sounds, since it sounds absolutely awful. Hoping for the best.

http://www.gobearcats.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/122014aaa.html

[Stray]

This Louisville/WKU game is hilarious. Players throwing punches, techs everywhere, coaches yelling at each other...good times.

[traderumor]

Another year without competent bugs makes the Buckeyes hard to watch. They have some interesting young talent but how a program that has been a national contender can go three years running without attracting even a competent big man is inexcusable for Matta's recruiting staff

[Revering4Blue]

How on earth did I forget about North Florida? I wouldn't quite count out Purdue to ultimately surprise, though. We'll see how they fare at Vandy tonight.

It's really difficult to project the B1G this year. I never put any stock into the ACC/B1G challenge, as the match-ups are determined by preseason polls and generally favor the home team. As of now, after Wisconsin and Ohio State -- not necessarily in that order -- it's anybody's guess as to who will finish where in the B1G.

Or not.

I was there -- Crossroads Classic -- Saturday and witnessed firsthand the massacre against Notre Dame. And then the Boilers follow that up with a home loss to Gardner-Webb.

Good grief.

[Assembly Hall]

Or not.

I was there -- Crossroads Classic -- Saturday and witnessed firsthand the massacre against Notre Dame. And then the Boilers follow that up with a home loss to Gardner-Webb.

Good grief.


Just pitiful. I am going to a "Purdue" house today for X-mas. This ought to be fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stray]

No idea where that shooting performance came from for the Bearcats tonight but I'm not complaining. 16 point win on the road at NC State...wow.

[cumberlandreds]

Maryland won their first ever Big Ten game last at Mich State. Game went double OT. Maryland looks pretty good. They are a real surprise early on this season. They had four players to transfer after last season. I thought they were going to be terrible.

[RedTeamGo!]

Ohio State lost to Iowa. They are weak down low this year. The guard play is solid but the rebounding is abysmal. It pains me to say it, as he went to my alma mater and I have heard he is a great kid, but Marc Loving is extremely soft.

[Assembly Hall]

Maryland won their first ever Big Ten game last at Mich State. Game went double OT. Maryland looks pretty good. They are a real surprise early on this season. They had four players to transfer after last season. I thought they were going to be terrible.

I think Maryland is the best team in the conference right now. And I got a feeling at the end of the year, the top of the standings are going to surprise quite a few.

[Assembly Hall]

Ohio State lost to Iowa. They are weak down low this year. The guard play is solid but the rebounding is abysmal. It pains me to say it, as he went to my alma mater and I have heard he is a great kid, but Marc Loving is extremely soft.

Well then IU and tOSU ought to be a good match-up!

[cumberlandreds]

Florida beats themselves.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/florida-player-makes-game-winning-tip-for-florida-state/

[Assembly Hall]

Florida beats themselves.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/florida-player-makes-game-winning-tip-for-florida-state/

Now that is funny!!!!!!!!!

[Stray]

Mick is gonna sit out the rest of the season but remain in an advisory role, whatever that means. Larry Davis will coach the team.

Tough break for Mick, hope he can fully recover and get back for next season.

[texasdave]

Mick is gonna sit out the rest of the season but remain in an advisory role, whatever that means. Larry Sanders will coach the team.

Tough break for Mick, hope he can fully recover and get back for next season.

Larry Davis.

[Stray]

Oops you're right, fixed my post lol

[Assembly Hall]

What is wrong with him?

[Stray]

He has an unruptured aneurysm.

[Assembly Hall]

Maryland keeps rolling.

[dabvu2498]

Florida is in deep, deep trouble.

[Assembly Hall]

Florida is in deep, deep trouble.

Just saw that........I don't think UK has much to worry about at this point in time.

[Stray]

Another nice win for the Bearcats today. Taking down SMU will be nice come tournament seeding, that is a solid very well coached team. Farad Cobb was huge in the 2nd half, he made so many shots when we needed it. So far so good with Larry Davis, and ESPN even had a cam on him during the game...he was into that coaching man, it was awesome.

It sounds silly but if we can keep finding ways to make shots at a respectable clip we're gonna be tough to beat. We play that foul so much they can't call em all defense that works.

[Assembly Hall]

Well I see where Butler named the interim HC, the HC. Anybody have anymore insight into Miller's absence?

[cumberlandreds]

Florida is in deep, deep trouble.

Florida isn't making the NCAA's unless they have a big conference season which would mean beating UK at least once. They haven't beaten anyone good yet. The only SEC teams othan UK that has a shot at making the tournament are LSU,Arkansas,South Carolina and Alabama. South Carolina has a really good win at Iowa State on Saturday. That will do them well on selection Sunday.

[dabvu2498]

Florida isn't making the NCAA's unless they have a big conference season which would mean beating UK at least once. They haven't beaten anyone good yet. The only SEC teams othan UK that has a shot at making the tournament are LSU,Arkansas,South Carolina and Alabama. South Carolina has a really good win at Iowa State on Saturday. That will do them well on selection Sunday.

I really don't think Bama has any shot.

Here's an excellent summary I saw of the SEC non-conference season:



Just to bring everyone up to date on where the conference stands heading into the league schedule, I thought I'd post a quick recap of what happened over the last month and a half. The rankings are according to Ken Pomeroy through yesterday, 1/3.

1. Kentucky 13-0
Enough said.

23. Florida 7-6
Best Win: #105 Yale (I kid you not)
Worst Loss: at #133 Florida State
Non-Conf SOS: 105
Projected: 18-13
Summary: Has played a tough schedule for a team suffering from youth, inexperience, injuries, and suspensions. But worst loss was only by 11 points. Will be very interesting to watch during the start of the SEC schedule.

28. South Carolina 9-3
Best Win: Yesterday's huge win over #20 Iowa State in Brooklyn.
Worst Loss: #145 Akron on a neutral floor
Non-Conf SOS: 177
Projected: 20-10
Of Note: Also had a close loss to Baylor at home.
Summary: Probably the most surprising team in the SEC so far. Has won 7 in a row since opening the season losing 3 of 5. Has only played one true away game though, at Marshall.

32. Georgia 9-3
Best Win: #29 Seton Hall
Worst Loss: at #82 Georgia Tech
Non-Conf SOS: 66
Projected: 20-10
Summary: Has won 6 in a row and is on fire. Excellent defensive team, one of the best in the nation. Dawgs have a tough opening stretch in the SEC.

35. Arkansas 11-2
Best Win: #33 SMU
Worst Loss: at #141 Clemson
Non-Conf SOS: 267
Projected: 22-9
Summary: Outside of UK, has probably had more national buzz than any other league team. But hasn't played a particularly challenging schedule, however, and got routed at Iowa State.

53. Vandy 10-3
Best Win: #76 Purdue
Worst Loss: #154 Rutgers (neutral) (other losses: #16 Baylor, #82 Georgia Tech)
Non-Conf SOS: 275
Projected: 19-12

55. LSU 11-2
Best Win: at #12 West Virginia
Worst Loss: #141 Clemson (neutral)
Non-Conf SOS: 273
Projected: 20-11
Summary: Has won 8 in a row, but other than West Virginia the highest rated team in that stretch is #116 UMass. Has played only 2 teams ranked in the top 100 all season, the other being a loss to #51 ODU.

61. Texas A&M 9-3
Best Win: #79 New Mexico (neutral)
Worst Loss: #110 Kansas State (in Kansas City)
Non-Conf SOS: 206
Projected: 18-12
Summary: Has only played one true road game all season, at Baylor.

69. Ole Miss 9-4
Best Win: #42 Cincinnati (neutral)
Worst Loss: #221 Charleston Southern
Non-Conf SOS: 212
Projected: 17-14
Summary: Probably the most up-and-down team in the conference thus far. Has a brutal SEC opening slate of at UK, LSU, at Ark, at Georgia.

72. Alabama 10-3
Best Win: #60 UCLA
Worst Loss: at #30 Xavier
Non-Conf SOS: 197
Projected: 18-13
Summary: Hard to know what to make of the Tide. Has no bad losses (all in the top 30), but few good wins (2 in the top 180).

93. Tennessee 8-4
Best Win: #31 Butler
Worst Loss: #94 Marquette (neutral)
Non-Conf SOS: 141
Projected: 15-15
Summary: Has played only one true away game. Much like Alabama, has few bad losses, but also few good wins. Early SEC schedule could get them off to a fast start (at MSU, Ala, Ark, at Missouri).

139. Auburn 8-5
Best Win: #30 Xavier
Worst Loss: #147 Texas Tech
Non-Conf SOS: 149
Projected: 14-17
Summary: All of the Tigers' other losses are to teams ranked 80 and above.

153. Missouri 6-7
Best Win: #91 Valparaiso
Worst Loss: #285 Missouri-Kansas City
Non-Conf SOS: 89
Projected: 11-20
Summary: Ouch. The Kim Anderson era at Mizzou has gotten off to a rough start. Outside of the opening loss to UMKC, there haven't been any bad losses (all to teams ranked 76 and higher), but few even mediocre wins.

184. Mississippi State 7-6
Best Win: #133 Florida State (this past Friday)
Worst Loss: #215 McNeese State
Non-Conf SOS: 334
Projected: 11-20
Summary: Brutal. Played the weakest non-conference schedule in the league and still lost 6 games. Began the season winning 5 in a row, but then lost 6 of 7.

[dabvu2498]

Oh myyyy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUcFNy_s-Gw

[cumberlandreds]

Notre Dame won at UNC. Good win for them. Texas was drubbed at home by Oklahoma 70-49. OU is good but Texas shouldn't lose that badly at home to them.

[Assembly Hall]

Yep, the Irish are quietly having a fine season.

[Boston Red]

Yep, the Irish are quietly having a fine season.

And the Tar Heels are quietly having a pretty bad season.

[Assembly Hall]

And the Tar Heels are quietly having a pretty bad season.

They got a couple of big wins don't they?

[cumberlandreds]

And the Tar Heels are quietly having a pretty bad season.

Inconsistent is what I would call it. They only have one outside shooter in Paige and that's a huge problem for them.

[Boston Red]

They got a couple of big wins don't they?

Not really. UCLA and Florida looked like big wins at the time, but....

Ohio State is pretty much it for UNC, and even the Buckeyes have lost to every decent team they've played.

[Revering4Blue]

I really don't think Bama has any shot.

Here's an excellent summary I saw of the SEC non-conference season:
A real eye-opener:

The SEC is 3rd in RPI, 1st in SOS, and has wins over Iowa State, West Virginia, Seton Hall, SMU, Kansas, UNC, Texas, Louisville, Butler, K State, & Creighton (All ranked in the AP at the time) by 7 different SEC teams.

[Revering4Blue]

Inconsistent is what I would call it. They only have one outside shooter in Paige and that's a huge problem for them.

Exactly.

Still a chance that Britt and/or Pinson emerges as a secondary outside shooting threat, though.

FWIW, in his ESPN insider column today, Jay Bilas predicts that UNC finishes fourth in the conference and ND fifth.

[Assembly Hall]

Exactly.

Still a chance that Britt and/or Pinson emerges as a secondary outside shooting threat, though.

FWIW, in his ESPN insider column today, Jay Bilas predicts that UNC finishes fourth in the conference and ND fifth.

I take it the Cards were 1, who did he have 2nd and 3rd.

[Boston Red]

I take it the Cards were 1, who did he have 2nd and 3rd.

I would assume Duke is a clear #1, with Virginia #2. I'd be surprised if Louisville is above #3.

[Revering4Blue]

I take it the Cards were 1, who did he have 2nd and 3rd.

Actually, it was Duke first, followed by Virginia and Louisville. Without looking it up again, I am not sure if Louisville is second or third.

[Assembly Hall]

I would assume Duke is a clear #1, with Virginia #2. I'd be surprised if Louisville is above #3.

There you go......using that nasty 4 letter word!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

Something not right with the mojo today? Duke gets beat and Wiscy gets beat by.........Rutgers!

[cumberlandreds]

Something not right with the mojo today? Duke gets beat and Wiscy gets beat by.........Rutgers!

Just the middle of the season blues. It happens every year. Most teams are tired and go through a funk about now. UK has been extremely lucky the last two games and will probably take a loss by this weekend. Its how these team emerge from their respective "funks" that will determine how far they will go in March.

[Assembly Hall]

Just the middle of the season blues. It happens every year. Most teams are tired and go through a funk about now. UK has been extremely lucky the last two games and will probably take a loss by this weekend. Its how these team emerge from their respective "funks" that will determine how far they will go in March.

Well, hopefully Duke falls into a funk they cant recover from!!!!!!!

[dabvu2498]

I've come to this conclusion about this season... Nobody (with the possible exception of Kentucky) is actually any good. And it's hard to call them good when they're shooting 33.9% in their last 3 games.

[Assembly Hall]

And Wisconsin suffers a major blow. Jackson has a broken foot and will be out 6 weeks.

[Hoosier Red]

I've come to this conclusion about this season... Nobody (with the possible exception of Kentucky) is actually any good. And it's hard to call them good when they're shooting 33.9% in their last 3 games.

Call me crazy, but for much of the year it seemed as though Calipari's game plan was to have so much talent, that he could coach defense and effort(and enforce with trips to the bench for those who weren't giving him the desired results on those fronts) and the offense would essentially take care of itself.

It's not a bad strategy, reminds me a lot of a CBB version of the Heat( but with an even deeper bench.)

However the process can be a little messy.

[traderumor]

I've come to this conclusion about this season... Nobody (with the possible exception of Kentucky) is actually any good. And it's hard to call them good when they're shooting 33.9% in their last 3 games.The 3 point line is the scourge of the game. No one can shoot anymore. It would seem like it would enhance shooting ability, but now guys spend shooting practice time firing up threes behind that stupid line and very little time on mid-short range shots.

[dabvu2498]

Call me crazy, but for much of the year it seemed as though Calipari's game plan was to have so much talent, that he could coach defense and effort(and enforce with trips to the bench for those who weren't giving him the desired results on those fronts) and the offense would essentially take care of itself.

It's not a bad strategy, reminds me a lot of a CBB version of the Heat( but with an even deeper bench.)

However the process can be a little messy.

You'd think it might be worth the extra 10 seconds of his time to yell "THROW IT INSIDE" a few times. Aaron Harrison has exactly as many FG attempts (at 35.5%) as Cauley-Stein and Johnson combined (both at 57.4%).

[dabvu2498]

The 3 point line is the scourge of the game. No one can shoot anymore. It would seem like it would enhance shooting ability, but now guys spend shooting practice time firing up threes behind that stupid line and very little time on mid-short range shots.

That's a bit of a myth. Overall shooting percentages in college basketball for 2013-14 were 44.2%. Same number as in 1969-70. In 2013 it was 43.3, basically the same as it was in 1965. Shooting percentages were trending upwards in the 80s, no question. But that was also the era of the dominant big man (Ewing, Olajuwan, Sampson, D. Robinson, etc.) And that was a big part of why the 3 point line was installed. To make it less of a slug fest and increase the importance of guard play.

Shooting percentages have fallen some, but it's not quite the drop some make it out to be. Scoring per game is actually up from that mid-80s era, though not to what it was in the 70s, when teams were actually shooting worse.

(Also, D1 has added 62 teams since the 3 point line was instituted, so overall stats are probably watered-down quite a lot.)

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/Reports/DI_All-Time_Trends.pdf

[Assembly Hall]

That's a bit of a myth. Overall shooting percentages in college basketball for 2013-14 were 44.2%. Same number as in 1969-70. In 2013 it was 43.3, basically the same as it was in 1965. Shooting percentages were trending upwards in the 80s, no question. But that was also the era of the dominant big man (Ewing, Olajuwan, Sampson, D. Robinson, etc.) And that was a big part of why the 3 point line was installed. To make it less of a slug fest and increase the importance of guard play.

Shooting percentages have fallen some, but it's not quite the drop some make it out to be. Scoring per game is actually up from that mid-80s era, though not to what it was in the 70s, when teams were actually shooting worse.

(Also, D1 has added 62 teams since the 3 point line was instituted, so overall stats are probably watered-down quite a lot.)

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/Reports/DI_All-Time_Trends.pdf


I pretty much agree with everything you said there dab, minus the part about the dominant big man in the 80's contributing to a higher FG%. I would argue that the advent of the 3-point line signaled the end of how the big men were used.

[dabvu2498]

I pretty much agree with everything you said there dab, minus the part about the dominant big man in the 80's contributing to a higher FG%. I would argue that the advent of the 3-point line signaled the end of how the big men were used.

We're not really in disagreement, but look at the NBA drafts from that era. The top 5 picks were almost all big men (and the NBA had a 3 point line at that time).

And I find the "death of the back-to-the-basket big guy" a little sad. But it doesn't take a math wiz to show you that a 33.33% 3-pt shooter = a 50% 2-pt shooter (point a shot, right?). Plus, missed 3 pointers generally give better offensive rebounding opportunities than missed 2 pt shots.

[Assembly Hall]

We're not really in disagreement, but look at the NBA drafts from that era. The top 5 picks were almost all big men (and the NBA had a 3 point line at that time).

And I find the "death of the back-to-the-basket big guy" a little sad. But it doesn't take a math wiz to show you that a 33.33% 3-pt shooter = a 50% 2-pt shooter (point a shot, right?). Plus, missed 3 pointers generally give better offensive rebounding opportunities than missed 2 pt shots.

I hear what you are saying. But the NBA 3 was no chippie back in those days. My thing is that
fromthe late 60's through the 70's there were some fine big men in college. Alcinder, Walton, Hayes, Unseld, Issel, Downing, Shumate, etc. To be honest I think everybody was better shooters back in those days.........but the defense was a lot better than what it is now. Few teams played a zone. Maybe I am just old skewl!!!!!!!!!

[dabvu2498]

I hear what you are saying. But the NBA 3 was no chippie back in those days. My thing is that
fromthe late 60's through the 70's there were some fine big men in college. Alcinder, Walton, Hayes, Unseld, Issel, Downing, Shumate, etc. To be honest I think everybody was better shooters back in those days.........but the defense was a lot better than what it is now. Few teams played a zone. Maybe I am just old skewl!!!!!!!!!

But the shooting percentages were lower in the 70s than they were in the 80s.

I'd also disagree that defense was better then, if for no other reason than the amount of film study/game prep that a college coach with 4-5 full-time assistants can do. Screen defense has also improved greatly (thanks, Coach Knight and Coach Bennett). It's now easier to try to beat a defense off the dribble (or ball-screen) than it is to back/flare/down screen them to death.

[dabvu2498]

Here's a mini-rant for you. Is the NCAA's program for recruiting new referees so bad that they can't get some new blood?

I literally see Doug Shows every night.

http://statsheet.com/mcb/referees/doug-shows/schedule

Look at that schedule. You can't tell me a ref is at his best travelling like that and doing that many games.

[traderumor]

That's a bit of a myth. Overall shooting percentages in college basketball for 2013-14 were 44.2%. Same number as in 1969-70. In 2013 it was 43.3, basically the same as it was in 1965. Shooting percentages were trending upwards in the 80s, no question. But that was also the era of the dominant big man (Ewing, Olajuwan, Sampson, D. Robinson, etc.) And that was a big part of why the 3 point line was installed. To make it less of a slug fest and increase the importance of guard play.

Shooting percentages have fallen some, but it's not quite the drop some make it out to be. Scoring per game is actually up from that mid-80s era, though not to what it was in the 70s, when teams were actually shooting worse.

(Also, D1 has added 62 teams since the 3 point line was instituted, so overall stats are probably watered-down quite a lot.)

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/m_basketball_RB/Reports/DI_All-Time_Trends.pdf
You hardly debunked. You rationalized your opinion with one flimsy stat and a few excuses.

[dabvu2498]

You hardly debunked. You rationalized your opinion with one flimsy stat and a few excuses.

Pardon me for thinking shooting percentage might be relevant when discussing the skill of shooting. FYI, it's not a flimsy stat. It's 66 years worth of historical trends. Look at the data and see if you draw different conclusions. Like I said, shooting percentages are down, but not quite as bad as some make it.

[traderumor]

Pardon me for thinking shooting percentage might be relevant when discussing the skill of shooting. FYI, it's not a flimsy stat. It's 66 years worth of historical trends. Look at the data and see if you draw different conclusions. Like I said, shooting percentages are down, but not quite as bad as some make it.
But it is down, so that would support a general conclusion that shooting ability has declined rather than call my observation a myth. Pardon me for using logic.

[dabvu2498]

But it is down, so that would support a general conclusion that shooting ability has declined rather than call my observation a myth. Pardon me for using logic.

If we're going to blame it on the 3 point line, let's look at the percentages before and after:

Before:
1982 47.9
1983 47.7
1984 48.1
1985 47.9
1986 47.7

Avg: 47.86

After:
1987 46.4
1988 47.3
1989 47.3
1990 46.2
1991 46.1

Avg: 46.66

So per year percentages decreased 1.2%. This also eliminates the additional teams that have been added to D1, as the number didn't increase that much during that time.

Shooting percentages in the 2010s are pretty similar to those of the late 60s, early 70s. (I also forgot about the dunk being "legalized" in 76, causing some increase in percentages.) Also worth noting that moving the 3pt. line back a foot in 2007-08 had virtually no effect on percentages.

I'd say Kobe's criticisms of the decrease of individual skills are more correct than blaming it on the 3 point line. Instead of spending their summers working on their individual games, premier players are spending their summers traveling and playing dozens and dozens of AAU games.

Point being, it's more complex than "no one can shoot" and it being all about the 3 point line.

[Boston Red]

Well, hopefully Duke falls into a funk they cant recover from!!!!!!!

They're in serious jeopardy of losing three straight right now. Down 14 at home to Miami at the moment (which would be the second loss) with a trip to Louisville next.

[dabvu2498]

They're in serious jeopardy of losing three straight right now. Down 14 at home to Miami at the moment (which would be the second loss) with a trip to Louisville next.

They've looked awful. Can't guard a soul.

[cumberlandreds]

Here's a mini-rant for you. Is the NCAA's program for recruiting new referees so bad that they can't get some new blood?

I literally see Doug Shows every night.

http://statsheet.com/mcb/referees/doug-shows/schedule

Look at that schedule. You can't tell me a ref is at his best travelling like that and doing that many games.

I agree they should be more limited in the games they do. Back in the 90's I used to see John Clougherty doing a game every night. There's no way he couldn't be tired after all that travel not to mention running up and down a floor all night.
There's a former ref that posts a lot on Wildcat Nation. He has stayed in tune with everything about officiating. He said Jake Bell took over as supervisor of officials in the SEC this year. He has brought in a lot of new guys in the process. I have seen a lot new ones this season so far and I think that is a part of the uneveness of how the games have been called this year.

[traderumor]

If we're going to blame it on the 3 point line, let's look at the percentages before and after:

Before:
1982 47.9
1983 47.7
1984 48.1
1985 47.9
1986 47.7

Avg: 47.86

After:
1987 46.4
1988 47.3
1989 47.3
1990 46.2
1991 46.1

Avg: 46.66

So per year percentages decreased 1.2%. This also eliminates the additional teams that have been added to D1, as the number didn't increase that much during that time.

Shooting percentages in the 2010s are pretty similar to those of the late 60s, early 70s. (I also forgot about the dunk being "legalized" in 76, causing some increase in percentages.) Also worth noting that moving the 3pt. line back a foot in 2007-08 had virtually no effect on percentages.

I'd say Kobe's criticisms of the decrease of individual skills are more correct than blaming it on the 3 point line. Instead of spending their summers working on their individual games, premier players are spending their summers traveling and playing dozens and dozens of AAU games.

Point being, it's more complex than "no one can shoot" and it being all about the 3 point line.Well, I wasn't talking about all the skills, I was talking about the impact of the three point line on SHOOTING development. Watch young players shoot around. The 3 point line draws them like a magnet. Big kids, short kids, fat kids, skinny kids, kids that climb on rocks stand around the 3 line and shoot 3's. Why? Because the youth coach is encouraging his players to take a three and the crowd oohs and aahs when they make them at a 10% clip.

Using college historical shooting percentages to shoot down my observation is a very narrow approach. That's what I'm saying, and it really wasn't MY point.

[Assembly Hall]

dab, I guess I got to admit I am closed minded on this FG% thing. I look at the game today and I compare it to my area from the mid-70's through the advent of the 3 point line. In my area Purdue, IU, Notre Dame, UK, and Louisville were the teams that seemed to be on TV all the time. I remember seeing guys like Mike Woodson, Randy Wittman, Ted Kitchell, Steve Alford, Jerry Sichsting, John Paxson, Kyle Macy, and Jim Master play. Geez, seemed like they never missed an open jumper.

But I do see where you are coming from. But I would also throw out there that the "good" teams FG% is significantly higher than the also rans. So perhaps the bottom teams have always drug the FG% down?

[Assembly Hall]

They're in serious jeopardy of losing three straight right now. Down 14 at home to Miami at the moment (which would be the second loss) with a trip to Louisville next.

Go Cards!!!!!!!!!!!

[dabvu2498]

dab, I guess I got to admit I am closed minded on this FG% thing. I look at the game today and I compare it to my area from the mid-70's through the advent of the 3 point line. In my area Purdue, IU, Notre Dame, UK, and Louisville were the teams that seemed to be on TV all the time. I remember seeing guys like Mike Woodson, Randy Wittman, Ted Kitchell, Steve Alford, Jerry Sichsting, John Paxson, Kyle Macy, and Jim Master play. Geez, seemed like they never missed an open jumper.

But I do see where you are coming from. But I would also throw out there that the "good" teams FG% is significantly higher than the also rans. So perhaps the bottom teams have always drug the FG% down?

There are still guys out there that can really shoot it. From the last few years, off the top of my head: McDermott, Curry brothers, John Jenkins (!!!), Stauskus, Reddick, Jimmer. The Booker kid at UK right now can really shoot it. Justin Anderson at UVa is currently shooting threes at 55.7% 39-70 (he was a pretty awful shooter coming into this year, however).

It all goes back to one immutable fact... a three point shot at 33.33% is equal to a two point shot at 50%. In the history of college basketball from 1948-1986, there was never a season where shooting percentages rose above 50%. In the years since 1987, the three point percentage has never fallen below 33.33%.

Have you heard of the Grinnell System? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinnell_System

[jimbo]

There are still guys out there that can really shoot it. From the last few years, off the top of my head: McDermott, Curry brothers, John Jenkins (!!!), Stauskus, Reddick, Jimmer. The Booker kid at UK right now can really shoot it. Justin Anderson at UVa is currently shooting threes at 55.7% 39-70 (he was a pretty awful shooter coming into this year, however).

The Dayton Flyers currently have a freshman leading the country in 3-point shooting at a 61% clip (23-38). He's been simply amazing here recently.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/statistics/player/_/stat/3-points

More of a Flyer plug than adding to the discussion. :)

[traderumor]

There are still guys out there that can really shoot it. From the last few years, off the top of my head: McDermott, Curry brothers, John Jenkins (!!!), Stauskus, Reddick, Jimmer. The Booker kid at UK right now can really shoot it. Justin Anderson at UVa is currently shooting threes at 55.7% 39-70 (he was a pretty awful shooter coming into this year, however).

It all goes back to one immutable fact... a three point shot at 33.33% is equal to a two point shot at 50%. In the history of college basketball from 1948-1986, there was never a season where shooting percentages rose above 50%. In the years since 1987, the three point percentage has never fallen below 33.33%.

Have you heard of the Grinnell System? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grinnell_SystemIt is clear that we are talking about two different things. You are talking about the pragmatism of the three point shot in the college game and I'm talking about the development of players' skill sets. Getting back to my original statement, these statistics do not "mythologize" my opinion.

[Assembly Hall]

Out of curiosity dab, how do the FT%'s translate through the era's?

[dabvu2498]

It is clear that we are talking about two different things. You are talking about the pragmatism of the three point shot in the college game and I'm talking about the development of players' skill sets. Getting back to my original statement, these statistics do not "mythologize" my opinion.

My discussion of strategy is more of an aside.

Your point is that the 3 point shot has damaged shooting skills. And my counterpoint is that at the level where we have reliable statistics (I have no idea about youth league shooting percentages), we haven't seen a dramatic drop off in shooting percentages, despite that fact that there are more long range shots being taken.

[dabvu2498]

Out of curiosity dab, how do the FT%'s translate through the era's?

Remarkably consistent. Haven't gone below 67% since 1958. Last year was 69.7%. Tied for highest ever.

[Assembly Hall]

Remarkably consistent. Haven't gone below 67% since 1958. Last year was 69.7%. Tied for highest ever.

Well certainly not what I expected to hear.

[gilpdawg]

People who say college hoops is too slow and plodding and no one can score need to tune into this Oregon/Washington State game. It was 57-52. At half.

[dubc47834]

People who say college hoops is too slow and plodding and no one can score need to tune into this Oregon/Washington State game. It was 57-52. At half.

There are teams out there that can score with the best of them, I think IU is one of those teams, but if you take college basketball as a whole it is horrible anymore. Refs let guys get mugged and I think the shot clock needs to be anywhere from 24-30 seconds!

[Assembly Hall]

There are teams out there that can score with the best of them, I think IU is one of those teams, but if you take college basketball as a whole it is horrible anymore. Refs let guys get mugged and I think the shot clock needs to be anywhere from 24-30 seconds!


Now there just touched on something. Hmmmmm, the shot clock era.

[WVRed]

http://espn.go.com/dallas/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12180575/college-sports-informs-smu-mustangs-basketball-program-allegations-academic-improprieties

Looks like Larry Brown is about to put another program on probation.

[Assembly Hall]

http://espn.go.com/dallas/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12180575/college-sports-informs-smu-mustangs-basketball-program-allegations-academic-improprieties

Looks like Larry Brown is about to put another program on probation.

Why doesn't that surprise me? If history repeats itself, he will lead the Mustangs to the national title game and then abruptly leave. Great coach, that is not at all suited for the college game.

[dabvu2498]

Glad to see Southern Miss self-imposed a post-season ban for this season in the midst of a 5-11 (0-5 CUSA) season. http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/southern-miss-self-imposes-postseason-ban-for-this-season/

Donnie Tyndall -- Is it possible that 2 of Tennessee's last 3 basketball coaches will have earned "show cause" penalties, while the one good human that they hired got run out of town?

Also, Florida continues to stink.

[cumberlandreds]

Glad to see Southern Miss self-imposed a post-season ban for this season in the midst of a 5-11 (0-5 CUSA) season. http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/southern-miss-self-imposes-postseason-ban-for-this-season/

Donnie Tyndall -- Is it possible that 2 of Tennessee's last 3 basketball coaches will have earned "show cause" penalties, while the one good human that they hired got run out of town?

Also, Florida continues to stink.

Southern Miss was really brave for doing that. :rolleyes: You really have to wonder if Donnie Tyndall is going to survive at Tennessee. It doesn't look good right now.

[Assembly Hall]

Glad to see Southern Miss self-imposed a post-season ban for this season in the midst of a 5-11 (0-5 CUSA) season. http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/southern-miss-self-imposes-postseason-ban-for-this-season/

Donnie Tyndall -- Is it possible that 2 of Tennessee's last 3 basketball coaches will have earned "show cause" penalties, while the one good human that they hired got run out of town?

Also, Florida continues to stink.

Still scratching my head at how they handled the Martin situation.

[cumberlandreds]

Still scratching my head at how they handled the Martin situation.

I think there were a lot of people upset about how the Pearl thing went down and just weren't going to accept anyone else. I don't think Martiin was that great of a coach but he wasn't bad either. If UT has to fire Tyndall then they are going to be hurting for a while. You can't change coaches that much without really hurting you.

[Assembly Hall]

I think there were a lot of people upset about how the Pearl thing went down and just weren't going to accept anyone else. I don't think Martiin was that great of a coach but he wasn't bad either. If UT has to fire Tyndall then they are going to be hurting for a while. You can't change coaches that much without really hurting you.

Personally, I thought Martin was a fine coach, that could have done good things with the program. He took over a bad situation and in my mind excelled at it. UT just aint right and haven't been for some time. But let's call it like it is.......it aint no men's basketball powerhouse.

[traderumor]

My interest in college basketball has waned to a mere indifference. I have identified a major contributor as the lack of continuity on teams due to the early jumps to the NBA. Was watching Duke play for a little bit Saturday and realized that I knew not one of their players. Now, some of that is because I'm in about year 3 of this phase of indifference and I only watch a few Ohio State games, some Big 10 games, and a smattering of other matchups until March Madness. But this is pretty common. The same thing happened when the Buckeyes played North Carolina. Roster turnover is already an inherent flaw with college basketball, but now the turnover makes it hard for any team to have a personality, esp. the major powers. It is just a collection of recruits.

And how many "McDonald's All-Americans" are there anymore?

[dabvu2498]

I had totally forgotten that Kelvin Sampson was back in the college game until tonight.

Donnie Tyndall, you'll be ok.

[dabvu2498]

Notre Dame-Duke is seriously interesting. Notre Dame plays really good team offense.

[cumberlandreds]

Duke loses again. They aren't very good defensively. If that doesn't improve in a hurry they won't last long in March. Duke goes to UVA this Saturday. They may have another two game losing streak after that one.

[Assembly Hall]

Notre Dame-Duke is seriously interesting. Notre Dame plays really good team offense.

The Irish are the best kept secret in CBB this year. I wouldn't want to play them.

[Stray]

Wow Duke kicked Rasheed Sulaimon off the team.

[RiverRat13]

Duke loses again. They aren't very good defensively. If that doesn't improve in a hurry they won't last long in March. Duke goes to UVA this Saturday. They may have another two game losing streak after that one.

Duke hasn't had a team ranked in KenPom's top 30 defensively for five years... which is just stunning to me as great defenses used to be a Coach K hallmark.

[cumberlandreds]

And then there was one.............

[dabvu2498]

I'm going to go out on a limb here... Kara Lawson is one of the best basketball analysts working for ESPN. She's a bazillion times better than most folks working SEC Network games.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm going to go out on a limb here... Kara Lawson is one of the best basketball analysts working for ESPN. She's a bazillion times better than most folks working SEC Network games.

I agree with you. She is good. I would take her over that god awful Sean Farnham and just about the rest of the SEC analyst.

[Sea Ray]

Nice win on the road from the Bearcats last night. They came back from a 5 pt halftime deficit to win somewhat comfortably against a ranked opponent. They shot well and looked good after a 1st half of too many turnovers. To their credit they turned it around on the road

[Assembly Hall]

And Syracuse imposed self-sanctions on itself.

[bucksfan2]

And Syracuse imposed self-sanctions on itself.

How magnanimous of Jim Boeheim to fall on the sword for this season. How magnanimous of him to give his seniors, guys who he has had in the program for 4 years the big up yours and self impose a tournament ban. How fortuitous of Boeheim to realize that this team was a bubble team with little hope of advancing far into the tournament but he has what many consider to be his greatest recruiting class coming in next season. I am going to be happy when these coaches who think they invented basketball finally retire.

By the way, how is UNC still playing basketball and how does Roy Williams still have a job?

[RedTeamGo!]

I used to like Boeheim, as I have gotten older I have realized he is a scumbag.

[cumberlandreds]

If the NCAA had any decency they would allow the Syracuse seniors to transfer and have an extra year of eligibility next season. But they are not decent.

[Assembly Hall]

How magnanimous of Jim Boeheim to fall on the sword for this season. How magnanimous of him to give his seniors, guys who he has had in the program for 4 years the big up yours and self impose a tournament ban. How fortuitous of Boeheim to realize that this team was a bubble team with little hope of advancing far into the tournament but he has what many consider to be his greatest recruiting class coming in next season. I am going to be happy when these coaches who think they invented basketball finally retire.


One definitely has to question the timing of this. I read somewhere where Boeheim had reached out to his recruits for next year telling them that this would not affect them. Sounds pretty presumptuous to me.

[Boston Red]

If the NCAA had any decency they would allow the Syracuse seniors to transfer and have an extra year of eligibility next season. But they are not decent.

Please. If Syracuse was any good this year they never would have self-imposed these sanctions.

[Assembly Hall]

If the NCAA had any decency they would allow the Syracuse seniors to transfer and have an extra year of eligibility next season. But they are not decent.

I think the NCAA should step in and say "No, you don't." You will finish out your season and then we will deal with you.

[cumberlandreds]

I think the NCAA should step in and say "No, you don't." You will finish out your season and then we will deal with you.

That's what I think too. But if not, they should let the seniors have one more year at another school.

[Assembly Hall]

A pretty good article.........

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/college/2015/02/06/Syracuse-move-far-from-a-first/stories/201502060130

[Chip R]

R.I.P. Dean Smith.

http://m.espn.go.com/ncb/story?storyId=12296176

[dabvu2498]

SEC has six teams in the RPI top 50.

Ironically enough, RPI has Kansas above UK, even after yesterday's loss. I'm not sure I'd be quoting RPI with any certainty.

That said...


Wisconsin... play far superior competition in conference.

I'm not sure about that. Maryland and Ohio State are maybe slightly better than Texas A&M/Ole Miss/Arkansas... Beyond that... Ugh, for both conferences. The Big 10 is quite mediocre, actually.

The Big 12 and ACC are quite superior and I'd probably put the Big East ahead of the Big 10/SEC as well.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm not sure about that. Maryland and Ohio State are maybe slightly better than Texas A&M/Ole Miss/Arkansas... Beyond that... Ugh, for both conferences. The Big 10 is quite mediocre, actually.


I don't know if I would say that in the way you did. As a B1G watcher, the conference is not mediocre, it actually is pretty balanced. Wisconsin, by far is the best team, but geez they got beat at Rutgers. These unbalanced schedules these conferences have are quite deceiving anymore.

[dabvu2498]

I don't know if I would say that in the way you did. As a B1G watcher, the conference is not mediocre, it actually is pretty balanced. Wisconsin, by far is the best team, but geez they got beat at Rutgers. These unbalanced schedules these conferences have are quite deceiving anymore.

To me, "balanced" means ho-hum in the middle.

Let's look at the numbers: (I'm using Sagarin's ratings because they're already sorted.)

4 Wisconsin
16 Ohio State
25 Maryland
26 Michigan State
30 Iowa
34 Indiana
36 Purdue
42 Illinois
45 Minnesota
77 Michigan
85 Penn State
94 Nebraska
127 Northwestern
155 Rutgers

Avg = 82.40 (4th)

1 Kentucky
28 Arkansas
35 Georgia
38 Mississippi
40 Florida
49 Texas A&M
52 LSU
53 Alabama
63 Vanderbilt
65 South Carolina
92 Tennessee
143 Auburn
151 Mississippi State
184 Missouri

Avg: 81.25 (5th)

By contrast, the ACC has 5 teams in the top 14 and the Big 12 has 7 teams in the top 22.

Most recent bracketology has Big 10 with 7 tourney teams and the SEC with 6.

You have a very good team in each conference, Ohio State's a bit better than the 2nd best SEC team, then a bunch of teams that are going to hang around the bubble and could play their way either in or out of the tourney. Then, crap, including Mizzou... Who may be the worst SEC team in recent memory.

[RedTeamGo!]

To me, "balanced" means ho-hum in the middle.

Let's look at the numbers: (I'm using Sagarin's ratings because they're already sorted.)

4 Wisconsin
16 Ohio State
25 Maryland
26 Michigan State
30 Iowa
34 Indiana
36 Purdue
42 Illinois
45 Minnesota
77 Michigan
85 Penn State
94 Nebraska
127 Northwestern
155 Rutgers

Avg = 82.40 (4th)

1 Kentucky
28 Arkansas
35 Georgia
38 Mississippi
40 Florida
49 Texas A&M
52 LSU
53 Alabama
63 Vanderbilt
65 South Carolina
92 Tennessee
143 Auburn
151 Mississippi State
184 Missouri

Avg: 81.25 (5th)

By contrast, the ACC has 5 teams in the top 14 and the Big 12 has 7 teams in the top 22.

Most recent bracketology has Big 10 with 7 tourney teams and the SEC with 6.

You have a very good team in each conference, Ohio State's a bit better than the 2nd best SEC team, then a bunch of teams that are going to hang around the bubble and could play their way either in or out of the tourney. Then, crap, including Mizzou... Who may be the worst SEC team in recent memory.

According to the SEC god, Sagarin, Ohio state, Maryland and Msu are all better than the 2nd best sec team.

And how is being 12 spots ahead of someone being "a bit better?"

[dabvu2498]

And how is being 12 spots ahead of someone being "a bit better?"

Well, in NCAA tournament terms, it's the difference between being a 4 seed and a 7 seed. I'd call that "a bit better."

If you don't like Sagarin, how do you feel about kenpom?

1. Kentucky 6. Wisconsin
30 Ole Miss 16. Ohio State
32. Arkansas 28. Iowa
34. Georgia 29. Mich St.
35. Florida 38. Maryland
39. Texas A/M 46. Minnesota
43. LSU 50. Indiana
47. Alabama 53. Purdue
48. Vanderbilt 59. Illinois
51. USC 81. Penn St
98. Tennessee 89. Michigan
137. Auburn 109. Nebraska
166. Miss State 134. Northwestern
204. Missouri 179. Rutgers

Pretty similar, no? You still have a very good team in each conference, Ohio State's a bit better than the 2nd best SEC team, then a bunch of teams that are going to hang around the bubble and could play their way either in or out of the tourney. Then, crap, including Mizzou... Who may be the worst SEC team in recent memory.

[dabvu2498]

ESPN's BPI:

1. Kentucky 4. Wisconsin
23. Georgia 12. Ohio State
24. Arkansas 26. Mich St
31. Ole Miss 27. Maryland
34. Florida 37. Minnesota
36. Texas A/M 47. Purdue
42. LSU 48. Iowa
45. Vanderbilt 49. Indiana
57. Alabama 50. Illinois
68. USC 82. Michigan
73. Tennessee 85. Penn St
133. Auburn 97. Nebraska
136. Miss St. 122. Northwestern
174. Missouri 160. Rutgers

Stunningly similar.

[cumberlandreds]

IMO and using the eyeball test, The Big 10 isn't any better than the SEC this season. They both have one really good team at the top,a whole lot of mediocrity in the middle and some dregs at the bottom. Both conferences will get about five teams in the NCAA's, IMO.

[RedTeamGo!]

IMO and using the eyeball test, The Big 10 isn't any better than the SEC this season. They both have one really good team at the top,a whole lot of mediocrity in the middle and some dregs at the bottom. Both conferences will get about five teams in the NCAA's, IMO.

Not really seeing how Maryland and OSU are mediocre teams. They are both likely to be 3 or 4 seeds in the tourney.

[Assembly Hall]

Not really seeing how Maryland and OSU are mediocre teams. They are both likely to be 3 or 4 seeds in the tourney.

OSU a 3 or 4 seed?

[cumberlandreds]

Not really seeing how Maryland and OSU are mediocre teams. They are both likely to be 3 or 4 seeds in the tourney.

OSU is rising and could get that. Maryland is fading fast and the way they are going they look like about six seed.

[dabvu2498]

OSU a 3 or 4 seed?

Lunardi has them as a 7, Palm an 8. They both have Maryland as a 4. I'm surprised by that.

[traderumor]

Ohio State's seeding will probably depend on their performance in the Big 10 Tourney. I would say they are certainly stock on the rise, but some of that probably depends on the status of Loving. However, Bates-Diop was Loving last night, so if he is arriving, it could be a moot point. They really just need to send Amir Williams and Trey McDonald to the end of the bench and leave them there except for breathers. That has been the change in the season, since Matta finally made the move to take away significant minutes from useless big men and play his productive players, regardless of their height.

Oh, and D'Angelo Russell is fun to watch since the Big 10 season started. Oh that he would just stay one more season, even though that's a slim and none chance according to everybody.

[bucksfan2]

Ohio State's seeding will probably depend on their performance in the Big 10 Tourney. I would say they are certainly stock on the rise, but some of that probably depends on the status of Loving. However, Bates-Diop was Loving last night, so if he is arriving, it could be a moot point. They really just need to send Amir Williams and Trey McDonald to the end of the bench and leave them there except for breathers. That has been the change in the season, since Matta finally made the move to take away significant minutes from useless big men and play his productive players, regardless of their height.

Oh, and D'Angelo Russell is fun to watch since the Big 10 season started. Oh that he would just stay one more season, even though that's a slim and none chance according to everybody.

Russell is a complete joy to watch. Maybe he came a season too late or a season too early. He is that good but I am not in love with the team around him, especially this class of seniors.

If it weren't for UK this season may have gone down as one of the most unpredictable in recent history. I just don't think there is another team that looks that great. The tournament could have been a tossup but the only tossup I have is whether or not UK loses this season.

[Assembly Hall]

If it weren't for UK this season may have gone down as one of the most unpredictable in recent history. I just don't think there is another team that looks that great. The tournament could have been a tossup but the only tossup I have is whether or not UK loses this season.


It is still a tossup.........as to the other 3 teams are that reach the FF!!!!!!!!!

[Assembly Hall]

Lunardi has them as a 7, Palm an 8. They both have Maryland as a 4. I'm surprised by that.

I suspect Maryland will drop. But if that is updated bracketology then I am surprised as well.

[dabvu2498]

I suspect Maryland will drop. But if that is updated bracketology then I am surprised as well.

Lunardi's newest version came out today. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology/_/iteration/224

Big10:
Wisconsin (2)
Maryland (5)
Ohio St. (7)
Indiana (7)
Iowa (8)
Mich. St. (9)
Illinois (12)

SEC:
Kentucky (1)
Arkansas (6)
Georgia (8)
Texas A/M (10)
Ole Miss (10)
LSU (11)

Palm's from late last night: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology
Wisconsin (2)
Maryland (4)
Indiana (6)
Iowa (7)
Ohio St. (8)
Illinois (12)

Kentucky (1)
Arkansas (5)
Georgia (9)
Ole Miss (10)
LSU (10)
Texas A/M (12)

[Big Red Smokey]

So now that it's mid-February I reckon it's time to start looking at serious contenders. In the history of KenPom's rankings, only one team (2014 UCONN) has won the National Title without ranking in the Top 25 in Offense and Defensive Efficiency. Therefore, without further ado, as of February 14th.

Full Fledged Title Contenders: (Top 25 in O and D efficiency according to KenPom)

Kentucky (#7 O, #1 D)
Virginia (#13 O, #2 D)
Arizona (#11 O, #7 D)
Gonzaga (#3 O, #24 D)
Utah (#19 O, #6 D)
Villanova (#10 O, #12 D)
Kansas (#17 O, #18 D)

On the cusp (Top 25 Offense or Defense, Top 50 Offense or Defense)

Oklahoma (#39 O, #5 D)
North Carolina (#12 O, #44 D)
Baylor (#14 O, #42 D)
Ohio State (#21 O, #32 D)
Northern Iowa (#28 O, #23 D)
Wichita State (#24 O, #30 D)
Texas (#44 O, #22 D)

Highly Ranked, Top 25 O/D and Top 100 O/D
Duke (#4 O, #60 D)
Wisconsin (#1 O, #69 D)
Louisville (#56 O, #3 D)

[Slyder]

So now that it's mid-February I reckon it's time to start looking at serious contenders. In the history of KenPom's rankings, only one team (2014 UCONN) has won the National Title without ranking in the Top 25 in Offense and Defensive Efficiency. Therefore, without further ado, as of February 14th.

Full Fledged Title Contenders: (Top 25 in O and D efficiency according to KenPom)

Kentucky (#7 O, #1 D)
Virginia (#13 O, #2 D)
Arizona (#11 O, #7 D)
Gonzaga (#3 O, #24 D)
Utah (#19 O, #6 D)
Villanova (#10 O, #12 D)
Kansas (#17 O, #18 D)

On the cusp (Top 25 Offense or Defense, Top 50 Offense or Defense)

Oklahoma (#39 O, #5 D)
North Carolina (#12 O, #44 D)
Baylor (#14 O, #42 D)
Ohio State (#21 O, #32 D)
Northern Iowa (#28 O, #23 D)
Wichita State (#24 O, #30 D)
Texas (#44 O, #22 D)

Highly Ranked, Top 25 O/D and Top 100 O/D
Duke (#4 O, #60 D)
Wisconsin (#1 O, #69 D)
Louisville (#56 O, #3 D)

What's WVU rated in those categories?

[Big Red Smokey]

What's WVU rated in those categories?

56 O/26 D

[traderumor]

I have no idea what in the world Matta and his staff were doing today, but they had a chance late to win that game and left Amir Williams on the floor, Mark Loving and Bates-Diop on the bench, ran a play with Jermaine Tate getting a wide open three (good play, wrong personnel)...what the heck? At a minimum, why in the heck do you have Williams on the floor at crunch time? And then they cannot even get anyone open on the final play and throw the ball away.

[cumberlandreds]

You have to like someone named Valentine hitting the winning shot on Valentine's Day.

UNC and UL go down in flames.

[Revering4Blue]

Arkansas at Ole Miss about to begin. Should be a good one.

Auburn beats Georgia in Athens..What? Also -- sorry to steal your thunder, dab -- Florida still stinks. Why is a once proud program like Mizzou this bad? Did Haith really leave the cupboard that bare?

[Assembly Hall]

I have no idea what in the world Matta and his staff were doing today, but they had a chance late to win that game and left Amir Williams on the floor, Mark Loving and Bates-Diop on the bench, ran a play with Jermaine Tate getting a wide open three (good play, wrong personnel)...what the heck? At a minimum, why in the heck do you have Williams on the floor at crunch time? And then they cannot even get anyone open on the final play and throw the ball away.

That was just ugly to watch at the end. Are you sure that was Matta coaching the Bucks, it sure reminded me of Tom Crean!!!!!

[traderumor]

That was just ugly to watch at the end. Are you sure that was Matta coaching the Bucks, it sure reminded me of Tom Crean!!!!!I have a theory that Paulus is getting increasing influence. Matta has that chair now, that chronic back issue has him walking very iffy, maybe it was youthful ignorance of an assistant that led to that mess, but there were just dominos falling of bad decisions late in that game that are pinned on staff decision making. Regardless, Matta has the job, if he's delegating more, he better be having some OT meetings with his staff today.

[Assembly Hall]

I have a theory that Paulus is getting increasing influence. Matta has that chair now, that chronic back issue has him walking very iffy, maybe it was youthful ignorance of an assistant that led to that mess, but there were just dominos falling of bad decisions late in that game that are pinned on staff decision making. Regardless, Matta has the job, if he's delegating more, he better be having some OT meetings with his staff today.

What ever the case it was a piss poor ending. There was a lot at stake there in seeding terms. Thad better quit chewing on that gum so hard and start paying a little more attention.

[Assembly Hall]

WOW!!!

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25078068/louisville-dismisses-chris-jones-from-team

[Lewdog]

How about those Fighting Irish? The second best record for a season so far. I'm a fan of them and I really didn't expect this kind of season. They really only have one big man and I figured that would be taken advantage of by other teams. So far Duke with Okafor is the only one that has really forced the issue. I'm hoping for at least a sweet 16 run.

[bucksfan2]

WOW!!!

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25078068/louisville-dismisses-chris-jones-from-team

He was good enough to get suspended, play against Miami and score 17 critical points in a win, then get kicked off next week. Stay classy Slick Rick.

[Assembly Hall]

He was good enough to get suspended, play against Miami and score 17 critical points in a win, then get kicked off next week. Stay classy Slick Rick.

I was thinking the same thing.

[Assembly Hall]

How about those Fighting Irish? The second best record for a season so far. I'm a fan of them and I really didn't expect this kind of season. They really only have one big man and I figured that would be taken advantage of by other teams. So far Duke with Okafor is the only one that has really forced the issue. I'm hoping for at least a sweet 16 run.

Yepper, they are very quietly having a fantastic season. That Grant kid is a player.

[Boston Red]

I guess I'm missing the insinuation about the unclassy thing Pitino is doing here. He brought Jones back from a suspension for Miami, but then kicks him off the team before Louisville plays Notre Dame and Virginia? What exactly is the conspiracy theory? Given who Louisville has coming up on he schedule, Pitino seems to be doing it wrong if he's being accused of some sort of shady behavior.

[Assembly Hall]

I guess I'm missing the insinuation about the unclassy thing Pitino is doing here. He brought Jones back from a suspension for Miami, but then kicks him off the team before Louisville plays Notre Dame and Virginia? What exactly is the conspiracy theory? Given who Louisville has coming up on he schedule, Pitino seems to be doing it wrong if he's being accused of some sort of shady behavior.

BR, I think it is completely due to the fact that he was suspended and came back for one game and then gets kicked off.

[bucksfan2]

I guess I'm missing the insinuation about the unclassy thing Pitino is doing here. He brought Jones back from a suspension for Miami, but then kicks him off the team before Louisville plays Notre Dame and Virginia? What exactly is the conspiracy theory? Given who Louisville has coming up on he schedule, Pitino seems to be doing it wrong if he's being accused of some sort of shady behavior.

Me thinks Patino brought him back because he needed to win a game. If what Jones was suspended for was so bad that it got him kicked off the team, you would think that the original suspension would have been longer. A one game suspension seems kinda petty, something like being late for practice too many times or skipping class. A dismissal from the team is pretty harsh don't you think? Maybe the two are unrelated, but I doubt it.

[Assembly Hall]

Text messages?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25079333/police-former-louisville-g-chris-jones-sent-threatening-text-to-female

[Kingspoint]

Text messages?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25079333/police-former-louisville-g-chris-jones-sent-threatening-text-to-female

Big deal. The woman had no business hanging out in his room for three hours and wrecking it. Disgruntled spoiled brat. He didn't want anything to do with her, so he left so she'd leave. She got mad and took it out on him by wrecking his room. He got upset, and rightfully so, and said something to her to let her know the level of his anger. He had no intention of actually doing anything like what he said, as it was said in the heat of the moment.

Major over-reaction by everyone involved.

[Assembly Hall]

Big deal. The woman had no business hanging out in his room for three hours and wrecking it. Disgruntled spoiled brat. He didn't want anything to do with her, so he left so she'd leave. She got mad and took it out on him by wrecking his room. He got upset, and rightfully so, and said something to her to let her know the level of his anger. He had no intention of actually doing anything like what he said, as it was said in the heat of the moment.

Major over-reaction by everyone involved.

That may be but Jones is under a microscope.

[dabvu2498]

Well. It was a bit more than text messages.

[texasdave]

Well. It was a bit more than text messages.

http://deadspin.com/louisvilles-chris-jones-charged-with-rape-1688164534

Rape. Allegedly.

[Assembly Hall]

Definitely sheds new light onto the situation.

[Chip R]

Anyone hear about Florida State's Xavier Rathan-Mayes scoring 30 points in a little over 4 minutes last night?

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/xavier-rathan-mayes-erupts-for-30-points-in-four-plus-minutes-071437746.html

[Boston Red]

I would say Rick deserves an apology (and I guess he does for folks who thought bringing Jones back and then kicking him off was some nefarious plot to have Jones available to play against known basketball powerhouse Miami)...but Pitino is ultimately responsible for Jones being at Louisville in the first place. So...not so much on the apology.

This Jones guy is apparently a real POS.

[bucksfan2]

I would say Rick deserves an apology (and I guess he does for folks who thought bringing Jones back and then kicking him off was some nefarious plot to have Jones available to play against known basketball powerhouse Miami)...but Pitino is ultimately responsible for Jones being at Louisville in the first place. So...not so much on the apology.

This Jones guy is apparently a real POS.

Yes and no. Truthfully I thought he brought him back a little too early and it was surprising that he kicked him off after playing one game. I don't think that a coach should be held responsible for the actions of his players....... but I do think that a coach should know his players. That coach should know if his players are good kids or not. A coach who keeps a POS around for the sole purpose of winning should be criticized.

[Assembly Hall]

My assumption is that Pitino was giving the kid "a second chance". I truly believe that all good/great HC's try to be a second father/mentor to their players/athletes. Some kids just don't get it, the list is endless of those that threw away promising careers over absolute boneheaded deeds. It is definitely a very tragic end to a story.

[Big Red Smokey]

How about those Fighting Irish? The second best record for a season so far. I'm a fan of them and I really didn't expect this kind of season. They really only have one big man and I figured that would be taken advantage of by other teams. So far Duke with Okafor is the only one that has really forced the issue. I'm hoping for at least a sweet 16 run.

Put a bet on them in Vegas at 100/1 to win the title.

[Big Red Smokey]

Full Fledged Contenders on March 1st per Ken Pomeroy's Rankings (www.kenpom.com)

Kentucky: #6 O/#2 D
Arizona: #11 O/#3 D
Virginia: #26 O/#1 D (If Anderson were healthy their O would be T25)
Villanova: #3 O/#18 D
Utah: #24 O/#5 D
Gonzaga: #5 O/#17 D
Wichita State: #13 O/#14 D
Kansas: #14 O/#16 D

On the cusp:

Baylor: #12 O/#28 D
Northern Iowa: #27 O/#15 D

Notable Omissions:

Wisconsin: #1 O/ #47 D
Duke: #2 O/ #69 D
Louisville: #86 O/#6 D
UNC: #16 O/#48 D
Notre Dame: #4 O/#147 D

Maryland is quite the interesting case. They are #35 in KenPom's rankings (#59 O/#46 D), yet are #9 in the RPI and are on the 3-seed line in every projection.

[Assembly Hall]

Full Fledged Contenders on March 1st per Ken Pomeroy's Rankings (www.kenpom.com)

Kentucky: #6 O/#2 D
Arizona: #11 O/#3 D
Virginia: #26 O/#1 D (If Anderson were healthy their O would be T25)
Villanova: #3 O/#18 D
Utah: #24 O/#5 D
Gonzaga: #5 O/#17 D
Wichita State: #13 O/#14 D
Kansas: #14 O/#16 D

On the cusp:

Baylor: #12 O/#28 D
Northern Iowa: #27 O/#15 D

Notable Omissions:

Wisconsin: #1 O/ #47 D
Duke: #2 O/ #69 D
Louisville: #86 O/#6 D
UNC: #16 O/#48 D
Notre Dame: #4 O/#147 D

Maryland is quite the interesting case. They are #35 in KenPom's rankings (#59 O/#46 D), yet are #9 in the RPI and are on the 3-seed line in every projection.

Notre Dame is a very interesting team to watch.......and I aint sold on Maryland yet.

[Assembly Hall]

Not at Duke?

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/duke_basketball_player_rasheed.html

[bucksfan2]

Not at Duke?

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/duke_basketball_player_rasheed.html

Not exactly pointing fingers at Coach K and Duke, but Universities handling of these cases in general are terrible. They knew about this for almost a year before any action was taken? I wonder if the whole Duke Lacrosse debacle weighed in the handling of this case.

[dabvu2498]

Not exactly pointing fingers at Coach K and Duke, but Universities handling of these cases in general are terrible. They knew about this for almost a year before any action was taken? I wonder if the whole Duke Lacrosse debacle weighed in the handling of this case.

Dez Wells, also.

[Assembly Hall]

Not exactly pointing fingers at Coach K and Duke, but Universities handling of these cases in general are terrible. They knew about this for almost a year before any action was taken? I wonder if the whole Duke Lacrosse debacle weighed in the handling of this case.

Point taken. But I sit and look at CBB landscape right now. UNC is in trouble. Syracuse is in trouble. SMU is in trouble. Duke is in trouble. And Kansas is in trouble. I don't know what will come out of any of it, but dang. Then I sit back and look at what happened to Indiana before the season started. I really kind of chuckle now. Most people on the "sports forums" would say that Kentucky is the most crookedest program out there. But they are squeaky clean compared to what I have seen since the season unfolded.

[bucksfan2]

Dez Wells, also.

Dez Wells was terrible, it was a rush to judgement by an administration who didn't do their due diligence. We can't have a society where we rush to judgments based upon a claim without any evidence. But how long of a period did Duke in this situation need to get a firm understanding of what happened? Weeks? Months? A Year? I would venture to say that from the time the original reports surfaced (March) until the start of the season (November) to get an idea of what happened. I think Duke owes the accuser, the students, and alumni an explanation of why they went down the path they did.

[bucksfan2]

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/03/03/duke-rasheed-sulaimon-allegations-mike-krzyzewski


The alleged victims chose not to file charges or come forward to the Office of Student Conduct because they were afraid of backlash from Duke basketball fans.

Sad

[Chip R]

Boeheim suspended for 9 games.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ncaa-suspends-syracuse-basketball-coach-172515838.html

[WMR]

Boeheim suspended for 9 games.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ncaa-suspends-syracuse-basketball-coach-172515838.html

The bigger story is the scholarship loss and 108 games forfeited.

The even bigger question is what does this mean for the decades-long cheating conspiracy at UNC?

I used to consider it a more or less foregone conclusion that UNC would skate... now I'm not so sure. Perhaps the most damning evidence against unc is from their 2005 title year. Ncaa didn't have the stones to touch Cuse banners... how will they tiptoe around UNC?

[Assembly Hall]

The bigger story is the scholarship loss and 108 games forfeited.

The even bigger question is what does this mean for the decades-long cheating conspiracy at UNC?

I used to consider it a more or less foregone conclusion that UNC would skate... now I'm not so sure. Perhaps the most damning evidence against unc is from their 2005 title year. Ncaa didn't have the stones to touch Cuse banners... how will they tiptoe around UNC?

Interesting question for sure. And will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

[dabvu2498]

Back to actual basketball... I was not feeling great and was stuck on the couch last night and ended up happy to be there after the show Cameron Payne of Murray St. put on. He is an impressive, impressive player.

[Tuff Nut]

I watched that game too. I live about 40 mins from Murray, and have followed them for a long time..(remember Jeff Martin?). I heard this the other day on the TV, that Payne was 17th for the Bob Cousey Award for best PG, but was 10th in the Wooden Award, for best player. He is indeed a very impressive player. Cameron Payne>>Isaiah Cannon(former Murray State guard, now in NBA)

[dabvu2498]

Payne was talented enough to play anywhere. How did the Tigers ever let him leave Memphis???

That said, tonight's game was even better. You won't see two teams go after each other any harder than Belmont and Murray went after each other tonight. Also, Rick Byrd is an absolute master.

[Tuff Nut]

Don't know how Pasner let him leave Memphis....fail on his part. CP was also highly recruited by Wichita State..Add him there and they have been undefeated again this season.
That game last nite was highly exciting, except for the result. 40% from 3s, for Belmont....unreal. I know Murray's TO at the end, did them in, but that "excuse me" bankshot 3, from 25 ft, by BU, stuck the dagger in pretty deep. Hope this doesn't offend anyone, but those white boys can hoop.

[Assembly Hall]

Hope this doesn't offend anyone, but those white boys can hoop.

But can they jump? LOL

[cumberlandreds]

Payne was talented enough to play anywhere. How did the Tigers ever let him leave Memphis???

That said, tonight's game was even better. You won't see two teams go after each other any harder than Belmont and Murray went after each other tonight. Also, Rick Byrd is an absolute master.

That was a great game. Both teams could actually score which has been a problem throughout college basketball. I thought Murray was the type of team that could have won a game or two in the NCAA's. Its too bad they won't get an at-large bid. They probably are better than quite a few that will get one.

[cumberlandreds]

Looks like Ill State may be a bid stealer. Up 14 at the half on Northern Iowa.

[Razor Shines]

Looks like Ill State may be a bid stealer. Up 14 at the half on Northern Iowa.

Yeah, seeing as how IU is currently probably on the outside looking and needs to play well in the B1G tournament and some help, I hope N. Iowa comes back. They're down 8 now.

[Razor Shines]

N. Iowa came back and it looks like they're gonna win.

[Assembly Hall]

That was a great game. Both teams could actually score which has been a problem throughout college basketball. I thought Murray was the type of team that could have won a game or two in the NCAA's. Its too bad they won't get an at-large bid. They probably are better than quite a few that will get one.

That is a pretty good post. I, for one, love seeing those "mid-majors" in the tourney. Those schools make things more interesting. Btw.....my 8th grade basketball coach was a Racer.

[Chip R]

Looks like Ill State may be a bid stealer. Up 14 at the half on Northern Iowa.

Yeah, not so much. :D

[Big Red Smokey]

End of Regular Season Contenders per KenPom.com

Only 1 National Champ has not been Top 25 in O/D efficiency (2014 UCONN)

Full-Fledged Contenders:

Kentucky: #7 O/#1 D
Arizona: #11 O/#3 D
Virginia #21 O/#2 D
Wisconsin: #1 O/#25 D
Villanova: #4 O/#23 D
Gonzaga: #8 O/#19 D
Kansas: #18 O/#14 D
Northern Iowa: #15 O/#20 D
Wichita State: #19 O/#16 D

On the cusp: Top 25 O/D and Top 50 O/D

Oklahoma #48 O/#5 D
Baylor: #12 O/#44 D
North Carolina: #13 O/#42 D
Georgetown: #40 O/#24 D

Notable Outliers:

Duke: #2 O/#65 D
Iowa State: #6 O/#85 D
Notre Dame: #3 O/#139 D
Louisville: #81 O/#6 D

[Razor Shines]

Ha. I haven't looked in a while, Indiana is #10 O/#226 D.

[Big Red Smokey]

As recently as 2/26, there were only 4 teams that were T25 O/D.

A lot of teams are peaking at the right time heading into March.

Villanova looks awesome right now

[Assembly Hall]

Ha. I haven't looked in a while, Indiana is #10 O/#226 D.

Indiana couldn't guard wet paint.

[cumberlandreds]

Yeah, not so much. :D

Nope, I was a dummy. Northern Iowa came back in just 6 1/2 minutes to take the lead. This team looks good. They should win a couple or more games in the NCAA's. Very tough out.

[Sea Ray]

UC finishes the season strong but I don't like their bracket where it looks like they'll get UConn in their first game

[Chip R]

Nope, I was a dummy. Northern Iowa came back in just 6 1/2 minutes to take the lead. This team looks good. They should win a couple or more games in the NCAA's. Very tough out.

Interestingly enough they came back from a double digit second half deficit at Illinois St. earlier this year and won by 1. ISU has a lot of talent on that team but can't put it together. As for UNI, I'm a tad biased since I'm an alum, but they just do stuff like that all year. If they get down, they don't panic. Tuttle's got the best set of low post moves I've seen since Kevin McHale. They have actually been the subject of a documentary that has been playing on Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Episodes are also on You Tube.

[dabvu2498]

I love the championship games in the "one-bid" leagues.

We already talked about Murray-Belmont. Wofford and Furman, two schools who don't like each other, just destroyed each other in the SoCon final. Bring on the Jaspers and the Gaels!!!

[cumberlandreds]

I love the championship games in the "one-bid" leagues.

We already talked about Murray-Belmont. Wofford and Furman, two schools who don't like each other, just destroyed each other in the SoCon final. Bring on the Jaspers and the Gaels!!!

I do too. Wofford/Furman was a great game. I was hoping for Furman. They were a 10th seed with 21 losses. Every year a team or two like that wins one of these tournaments and makes their way into the NCAA's.

Battle of the Dakota's tonight in the Summit. Also the WCC with Gonzaga playing BYU.

[Boston Red]

Ha. I haven't looked in a while, Indiana is #10 O/#226 D.

How about an IU/Xavier matchup in an 8/9 or 7/10 game? First one to 150 wins!

[Assembly Hall]

How about an IU/Xavier matchup in an 8/9 or 7/10 game? First one to 150 wins!

After what I have seen this year from IU, Xavier wins that game by half time!

[Razor Shines]

This Texas - Iowa St game is shaping up for a great ending. Texas was up 10 with 3 minutes left. It's now tied with under a minute left. If Texas loses this game Rick Barnes may get fired before he gets home.

[Razor Shines]

And Iowa St. hits a jumper at the buzzer to win.

[Revering4Blue]

This Texas - Iowa St game is shaping up for a great ending. Texas was up 10 with 3 minutes left. It's now tied with under a minute left. If Texas loses this game Rick Barnes may get fired before he gets home.

IMHO, it's time for a change in Austin. Who has gotten less from more lately than Barnes? It's mind-boggling that his most talented big man, Myles Turner plays so few minutes. While I wouldn't classify Texas as a blue-blood, given resources, it seems like a great gig to me.

[Razor Shines]

IMHO, it's time for a change in Austin. Who has gotten less from more lately than Barnes? It's mind-boggling that his most talented big man, Myles Turner plays so few minutes. While I wouldn't classify Texas as a blue-blood, given resources, it seems like a great gig to me.

People around here have been saying that for 5 years, but he remains.

[WMR]

No one at Texas cares about bball. Just a mild diversion until spring practice.

[Razor Shines]

No one at Texas cares about bball. Just a mild diversion until spring practice.

Someone should probably tell the talented recruits they keep getting.

[WMR]

Someone should probably tell the talented recruits they keep getting.

I'm sure living in Austin as a bball player doesn't suck. :D Plus... no pressure. :D

[bucksfan2]

People around here have been saying that for 5 years, but he remains.

Rick Barnes needed to go 5 years ago, maybe even more. He is the coach in college basketball that gets the least out of the most talent. He along with John Thompson III are guys who I wonder why they continue to keep their jobs when they continue to under-perform.

[Assembly Hall]

No one at Texas cares about bball. Just a mild diversion until spring practice.

LOL...aint that the truth.

[Razor Shines]

What an incredible run by Notre Dame to win the ACC Championship against UNC. A 22-2 run late in the second half.

[Stray]

My favorite part of this week has been the late nights with Dave Pasch and Bill Walton on ESPN.

[Assembly Hall]

What an incredible run by Notre Dame to win the ACC Championship against UNC. A 22-2 run late in the second half.


The Irish have been off of everybody's radar all season. Those kids play ball well together.

[cumberlandreds]

What an incredible run by Notre Dame to win the ACC Championship against UNC. A 22-2 run late in the second half.

ND looked as good as anyone this weekend. They will be a tough out in the NCAA's.

[Stray]

Ugh Bearcats are UK's 8...

[Roy Tucker]

Poor Boise St. Plays UD at Dayton in a play-in game.

[dabvu2498]

UCLA, Texas and Okie St.?

Yuck.

[Assembly Hall]

UCLA in? Wow.

[Assembly Hall]

All 5 Indiana schools in the same region?

[WVRed]

I'm not entirely disappointed with Kentuckys draw. Was expecting worse.

Duke got an easy path.

[Razor Shines]

All 5 Indiana schools in the same region?

Yeah, that's kinda crazy.

[dabvu2498]

UCLA in? Wow.

Oklahoma St. is 18-13 (17-13 according to RPI -- one win vs. a non-D1 team) and lost 6 of their last 7!!!

At that point, I really don't give a damn what your RPI is.

[Assembly Hall]

I'm not entirely disappointed with Kentuckys draw. Was expecting worse.

Duke got an easy path.

Personally, I think the Cats got hosed. And I still scratch my head about Duke.

[Assembly Hall]

Oklahoma St. is 18-13 (17-13 according to RPI -- one win vs. a non-D1 team) and lost 6 of their last 7!!!

At that point, I really don't give a damn what your RPI is.

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!! I am still scratching my head.