College Basketball 2020 Part 2: March Madness!

[WVRed]

Title says it all. Almost at 1,000 posts in the other one.

[cumberlandreds]

On to the tournaments! The best time of the year for college basketball.

[Boston Red]

So, we've seen what a first round NCAA Tournament game looks/feels like with essentially no fans there. The first half of those opening games on Thursday/Friday morning/early afternoon games with teams from far away are often pretty sparsely attended. However, it would be pretty weird to see a Regional Final/Final Four with no fans. If it got to that, could they move the games geographically, too? For example, if IU, Kentucky, Louisvlle and Dayton were in the Final Four, could the four teams just agree to move the games to, say, Cintas Center? No reason to play those games in a huge, empty dome, and no real reason for the teams to travel, either. Or if not moving it out of Atlanta, at least to like Georgia Tech so that the environment isn't quite so weird. It would just feel like a normal practice environment compared to bizarro-world in an empty dome.

Man, things could get weird.

[Assembly Hall]

So, we've seen what a first round NCAA Tournament game looks/feels like with essentially no fans there. The first half of those opening games on Thursday/Friday morning/early afternoon games with teams from far away are often pretty sparsely attended. However, it would be pretty weird to see a Regional Final/Final Four with no fans. If it got to that, could they move the games geographically, too? For example, if IU, Kentucky, Louisvlle and Dayton were in the Final Four, could the four teams just agree to move the games to, say, Cintas Center? No reason to play those games in a huge, empty dome, and no real reason for the teams to travel, either. Or if not moving it out of Atlanta, at least to like Georgia Tech so that the environment isn't quite so weird. It would just feel like a normal practice environment compared to bizarro-world in an empty dome.

Man, things could get weird.

Good point/points. But does the NCAA care?

[jimbo]

For example, if IU, Kentucky, Louisvlle and Dayton were in the Final Four, could the four teams just agree to move the games to, say, Cintas Center?

Ummmm, no.

[Assembly Hall]

And what NBC thinks...

https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2020/03/09/ncaa-tournament-bubble-watch-northern-iowa/

[Ohayou]

Wright State blowing it...

[Reds Freak]

Wright State blowing it...

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?

[Sea Ray]

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?

No, it makes the tournaments exciting. There'd be next to no reason to have a tournament otherwise. Furthermore these leagues generally won't have a winner go far in the NCAAs anyway. If their champ gets upset in the tournament, let them play for awhile in the NIT

[Ohayou]

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?

Yeah, IDK. The conference tournaments can be exciting, but they completely negate the regular season.

Wright State tonight looks as bad as I've ever seen them. Coming into this season, I thought they were good enough to sweep the conference, and sneak into the Top 25 at some point. They had a good year (one of the top scoring teams in the country, I believe), but underwhelmed me overall.

[Reds Freak]

No, it makes the tournaments exciting. There'd be next to no reason to have a tournament otherwise. Furthermore these leagues generally won't have a winner go far in the NCAAs anyway. If their champ gets upset in the tournament, let them play for awhile in the NIT

One-game baseball playoffs are more exciting too but they don't feel right to us. Conferences can make money by their teams advancing in the NCAA tournament, seems to me it's in their best interest to send their best team to have a chance to do that.

I don't disagree with you, conference tournaments are exciting. But Wright State won the league by two games and is by far the best team in their league but they will be sitting out the NCAAs because they lost one game on a neutral floor after a 10-day layoff. Doesn't seem right to me. Why play a regular season at all?

[adkindo]

San Francisco had a chance to take out Gonzaga but missed some key shots late....Gonzaga advances to the WCC Final.

[adkindo]

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?

I always think you have the tournament. Mid major tournaments are great, and those guys get more eyeballs in their tournament than they do all season. I know the WCC has recently been a 2 bid league, but San Francisco is not one of those teams and they nearly just knocked off Gonzaga and would have been one win away from an auto bid. Finally, without the tournament and tournament seeding, many teams would have nothing to really play for halfway through the season.....but with the tournament, they always have that carrot out there....because it is always better to be a 5 Seed instead of a 9 Seed.

[Revering4Blue]

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?As opposed to playing semfinal final and finals games in three quarter empty NBA arenas, IMO, one bid league tournaments should be comprised entirely of games played solely on campus sites with home court advantage based upon regular season record. That way, the regular season is not rendered meaningless at all.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

[adkindo]

As opposed to playing semfinal final and finals games in three quarter empty NBA arenas, IMO, one bid league tournaments should be comprised entirely of games played solely on campus sites with home court advantage based upon regular season record. That way, the regular season is not rendered meaningless at all.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

I am fine with them playing on campus....but do not take away the OVC Tournament....and example of a usual one bid league that does not get much attention nationally, but their tournament has became a thing....it has always been the reminder that March is here....the tournament is close.

[Reds Freak]

I always think you have the tournament. Mid major tournaments are great, and those guys get more eyeballs in their tournament than they do all season. I know the WCC has recently been a 2 bid league, but San Francisco is not one of those teams and they nearly just knocked off Gonzaga and would have been one win away from an auto bid. Finally, without the tournament and tournament seeding, many teams would have nothing to really play for halfway through the season.....but with the tournament, they always have that carrot out there....because it is always better to be a 5 Seed instead of a 9 Seed.

I get what you're saying. And don't get me wrong, I love this time of year in college basketball. But it's akin to the NFL playing a 16-game regular season and then each division playing a single-elimination tourney in Week 17 and 18 to determine division champion.

So the 2-14 Bengals still have a chance at the end of the year if they play out of their minds and catch the 12-4 Ravens on a bad day in January.

[adkindo]

I get what you're saying. And don't get me wrong, I love this time of year in college basketball. But it's akin to the NFL playing a 16-game regular season and then each division playing a single-elimination tourney in Week 17 and 18 to determine division champion.

So the 2-14 Bengals still have a chance at the end of the year if they play out of their minds and catch the 12-4 Ravens on a bad day in January.

you clearly have a point, but then again we select the college national champion in a single elimination tournament also. I think there are many years we could debate if the best team really won the championship. I would take the 2014-15 UK team over any team that has won a title in the 21st Century.....yet they lost a game in the tournament and won nothing.

[Reds Freak]

you clearly have a point, but then again we select the college national champion in a single elimination tournament also. I think there are many years we could debate if the best team really won the championship. I would take the 2014-15 UK team over any team that has won a title in the 21st Century.....yet they lost a game in the tournament and won nothing.

Very true. It'll never be truly fair. I'll stop complaining about it and enjoy the ride!

[adkindo]

Very true. It'll never be truly fair. I'll stop complaining about it and enjoy the ride!

complain all you want....that is a big part of what these boards are for....but yes still make sure to enjoy the ride. That first weekend of the NCAA Tournament is my absolute favorite sports weekend of the year!

[adkindo]

St. Mary's hits a shot with 6 seconds left to beat BYU by 1 point and move to the WCC Final against Gonzaga. I really think BYU would have been a harder matchup for Gonzaga.

[Assembly Hall]

One bid leagues should get rid of the conference tournament and send their regular season champ - and best team - to the NCAAs. Thoughts?

Personally, I am not a fan of CT's in the power conferences..but I love them in the mid-majors.

[Sea Ray]

Personally, I am not a fan of CT's in the power conferences..but I love them in the mid-majors.

The regular season champ in power conferences are going to the tournament anyway so unlike Wright St nobody's getting eliminated but it does give teams like Tennessee a shot

[Reds Freak]

Personally, I am not a fan of CT's in the power conferences..but I love them in the mid-majors.

I'd venture to guess conference tourney week is the only time a lot of people watch mid-majors. I follow the mids pretty closely throughout the year. To me, the ETSU/Furman game on CBS Sports Network is by far more entertaining than the Georgia/Mississippi State game on ESPN2.

So for me it's unfortunate when I see these fun mids like Northern Iowa with great players like AJ Green and Austin Phyfe win their regular season only to stumble for a game in the conference tourney and not get to represent their league and show their stuff in the NCAAs.

[Boston Red]

The regular season champ in power conferences are going to the tournament anyway so unlike Wright St nobody's getting eliminated but it does give teams like Tennessee a shot

UCLA almost tested that theory this year.

[Assembly Hall]

The regular season champ in power conferences are going to the tournament anyway so unlike Wright St nobody's getting eliminated but it does give teams like Tennessee a shot

I understand that, but the CT's is the only time I really get to see the mid-majors on TV that are out of my area. They pretty much get 1 week to themselves before the big boys start playing. But I know exactly what you are saying as I remember some dang good Butler teams getting left out before they moved up in conference status.

[Chip R]

I'm not a big fan of conference tournaments. However, it seems like a good revenue generator especially for the smaller conferences. I know people have been wanting this for years now but only teams who finish .500 or over in their conference during the regular season should be eligible for the tournament unless they win their conference tournament. People love the NCAA tournament because of the upsets. The Northern Iowas knocking off the Kannsases, the UMBCs beating the Virginias, the Loyolas going to the Final Four. People remember that stuff and not whether an Oklahoma bets a Purdue in the 1st round or vice versa. More mid and low majors in the tournament, the more potential there is for early round upsets.

[Reds Freak]

I'm not a big fan of conference tournaments. However, it seems like a good revenue generator especially for the smaller conferences. I know people have been wanting this for years now but only teams who finish .500 or over in their conference during the regular season should be eligible for the tournament unless they win their conference tournament. People love the NCAA tournament because of the upsets. The Northern Iowas knocking off the Kannsases, the UMBCs beating the Virginias, the Loyolas going to the Final Four. People remember that stuff and not whether an Oklahoma bets a Purdue in the 1st round or vice versa. More mid and low majors in the tournament, the more potential there is for early round upsets.

And I would argue sometimes the upsets are upsets in name only. Some of these mid-majors are extremely talented and well-coached. Those UNI and Loyola teams could have beaten anyone. That wasn't Jimmy Chitwood and Hickory High School stuff. Now sometimes the upsets are flukey, like the UMBC one.

But there is some really good mid-major basketball being played across the country, but the general public doesn't get to see it until March because their games are often relegated to ESPN+ and the big boys will rarely schedule the strong mid-majors and God forbid they ever travel to one.

[texasdave]

Hats off to Sippin' Mick.
The Pac-12 Conference announced Monday that former Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin won John R. Wooden Coach of the Year honors in his first season as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins.

[adkindo]

it is ironic in regards to conference tournaments....last year after WVU has a historically bad season and had a couple upsets in the tournament, I was all into it. In contrast, we we are locked in the tournament, i am conflicted at best. You never want to cheer for your team to lose, but at the same time you do not want your team to get wore down going deep in a conference tournament. There is a reasonable argument that Texas Tech getting upset in the Big12 Quarterfinals last year by WVU may have helped them get to the NCAA Championship game. Who knows if their legs are strong enough if they have to play 2 more games in the B12 Tournament, then play in the NCAA with only 4 days rest.

[North]

NKU is in the dance:

"For the third time in four years, the Northern Kentucky University Norse earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning their conference tournament.

The second-seeded Norse defeated No. 4 UIC on Tuesday night in the Horizon League Tournament final in Indianapolis, and will head to the Big Dance in their first season under head coach Darrin Horn."

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/othercolleges/2020/03/10/nku-norse-win-horizon-final-clinch-ncaa-tournament-automatic-bid/5016804002/

[WVRed]

First Four and Cleveland games to be played without fans:


http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28885087/governor-no-fans-ohio-ncaa-tournament-games

Actually the entire tournament now:


Mark Emmert says NCAA Tournament will be held without fans due to coronavirus

https://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/mark-emmert-says-ncaa-tournament-will-be-held-without-fans-due-to-coronavirus/

[Boston Red]

I wonder if conference tournaments will follow suit starting tomorrow. The Big East Tournament at MSG in particular (and I guess by extension the A-10 Tournament at Barclays).

[WVRed]

I wonder if conference tournaments will follow suit starting tomorrow. The Big East Tournament at MSG in particular (and I guess by extension the A-10 Tournament at Barclays).

SEC Tournament to play tonight with fans, rest of the week to be determined.

[texasdave]

What would happen if one of the players contracted the virus: Would they quarantine the entire team?

[BuckeyeRed27]

What would happen if one of the players contracted the virus: Would they quarantine the entire team?

This more or less happened with Arsenal in the Premier League. No one tested positive but like half the team was in contact with someone that did. All those players had to quarantine and their game yesterday was postponed.

[15fan]

Sonofa.

(selfish rant) I knew it was too good to be true. Finally get picked in the lottery after a decade+ for Masters tix. Walk Augusta National for the first time in my life for the practice round on Mon 4/6, then go to the national title game 15 minutes from my house that night. If not best day ever for a sports fan, it would be in the conversation. (/selfishrant)

Since no need to accommodate fans, I hope the NCAA reconsiders hosting tournament games in the larger venues like Mercedes-Benz. Original configuration called for a court in the middle of the football field so they can put 80,000 people in the building for the Final Four games. Move the games to State Farm Arena? Georgia Tech or Georgia State? A local high school? Anything would be better than playing in the middle of an empty cavern.

Hopefully the NCAA can simply push back the scheduled sites by a year so that this year's hosts get the games in 2021 or shortly thereafter.

[Boston Red]

Makes no sense to play the game in the Dome. I suggested Georgia Tech earlier in the thread. Jimbo didn't like my Cintas Center idea! :)

[cumberlandreds]

Makes no sense to play the game in the Dome. I suggested Georgia Tech earlier in the thread. Jimbo didn't like my Cintas Center idea! :)

Kentucky played at Ga Tech in the SEC tournament the year the tornado struck in Atlanta. They played with only family and staff in attendance. It did seem weird with such a small crowd.

Yea they are talking about moving the regionals to smaller venues but the first and 2nd round games are going to stay for now.

[cumberlandreds]

What would happen if one of the players contracted the virus: Would they quarantine the entire team?

Yes they would. I would say if that happens during the NCAA tournament they will probably just shut down the tourney.

[cumberlandreds]

Just announced, The Big Ten tourney will not have fans starting with tomorrow's games. I suspect nearly every other conference go this way too.

[WVRed]

Just announced, The Big Ten tourney will not have fans starting with tomorrow's games. I suspect nearly every other conference go this way too.

Add the Big 12.

[paintmered]

Maybe it doesn't make sense to play the Final Four in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of 85,000 empty seats. They should find some place smaller, like the CDC's cafeteria.

[Boston Red]

Kentucky played at Ga Tech in the SEC tournament the year the tornado struck in Atlanta. They played with only family and staff in attendance. It did seem weird with such a small crowd.

Yea they are talking about moving the regionals to smaller venues but the first and 2nd round games are going to stay for now.

Georgia won a doubleheader and ended up SEC champs. Came closer than I would have liked to knocking out my Muskies as a 14 seed, too!

[Playadlc]

I doubt this tournament happens.

[Boston Red]

I doubt this tournament happens.

Would have strenuously disagreed until Rudy Gobert.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Would have strenuously disagreed until Rudy Gobert.

Yep I think it’s done.

There’s just no way one of the 800ish players and 400ish staff members aren’t going to test positive. And once one does the whole thing is done.

[RedTeamGo!]

Would have strenuously disagreed until Rudy Gobert.

Imagine being a Dayton fan right now.

.....****

[Playadlc]

Imagine being a Dayton fan right now.

.....****

Brutal. I feel bad for all college kids. Especially seniors.

[dabvu2498]

This more or less happened with Arsenal in the Premier League. No one tested positive but like half the team was in contact with someone that did. All those players had to quarantine and their game yesterday was postponed.

A Juventus player has tested positive. Hannover 96 has a positive test as well. The sports channels are going to have a lot of air time to fill.

[Playadlc]

The Hoiberg thing has me shaking. What a complete bunch of morons in the Nebraska travel party.

[Reds Freak]

As opposed to announcing a cancellation, I think the NCAA should hit pause on the whole thing tomorrow and see if they can make the tournament happen later in the spring or early summer. Sure, there'd be logistical nightmares and maybe the coverage and the sites and fanfare wouldn't be the same, but seems to me they should keep the option open to make it happen once this is under control.

[Stray]

The Hoiberg thing has me shaking. What a complete bunch of morons in the Nebraska travel party.

Saw the video. That was really bad. Does that team have doctors, and how did they allow this to happen?

[Stray]

Feels like the tournament isn't gonna happen. Just hard to imagine the NCAA forcing this through right now, even without fans. NBA suspending the season and other leagues will likely follow suit soon. The travel required, the lodging, everything that goes into it...yeah I don't see it.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Saw the video. That was really bad. Does that team have doctors, and how did they allow this to happen?

Apparently he just has the flu, but still how did they let him out there with all this going on?

[Stray]

Apparently he just has the flu, but still how did they let him out there with all this going on?

That's good news but I agree. Considering what is happening, that's negligence. He shouldn't have been anywhere near them tonight.

[Chip R]

Apparently he just has the flu, but still how did they let him out there with all this going on?

I think, that like with most people, he wanted to tough it out and go to work. Or maybe he just got progressively worse throughout the game.

[Reds Freak]

Here's my pie-in-the-sky proposal:

-Announce the NCAA tournament has been postponed
-When it's deemed safe to do so, hopefully in May, conduct a condensed two-week NCAA tournament.
-16 four-team pods at on-campus sites for the first two rounds (Last four in are cut, only 64 teams in this one). Dayton hosts NKU, OSU, Butler; Kentucky hosts ETSU, Belmont, West Virginia. Etc. Make as much of the travel bus trips as possible.
-The 16 teams to come out of those pods are reseeded and sent to one city the following week to play the remainder of the tournament.

[dubc47834]

I think, that like with most people, he wanted to tough it out and go to work. Or maybe he just got progressively worse throughout the game.

I think he got worse as the game went along. I was watching the pregame, and the Big Ten Network interviewed both coaches. Pregame he did not look ill at all, but you could definitely see it during the game. They even mentioned it during the broadcast!

[Chip R]

I think he got worse as the game went along. I was watching the pregame, and the Big Ten Network interviewed both coaches. Pregame he did not look ill at all, but you could definitely see it during the game. They even mentioned it during the broadcast!

And, with most things in an athletic program, the coach has a tremendous amount of power. If the team doctor and/or trainer suggested he not coach, he may have overruled them because he's the boss. I'd say it's about 20% ego and 80% stubborness.

[dubc47834]

And, with most things in an athletic program, the coach has a tremendous amount of power. If the team doctor and/or trainer suggested he not coach, he may have overruled them because he's the boss. I'd say it's about 20% ego and 80% stubborness.

I would hope not, not in this situation and what is going on in the world right now. Like you said tho, egos and stubbornness can lead us to do things that aren't recommended!

[WVRed]

SEC Tournament canceled.

Also Big Ten and American.

[Boston Red]

NCAA Tournament will be canceled by tomorrow if not today. My prediction.

[WVRed]

NCAA Tournament will be canceled by tomorrow if not today. My prediction.

I’ll be shocked if they wait until tomorrow at this point.

[Boston Red]

It's surreal watching Creighton/St. John's about to tip off with everyone else canceling. I wonder if this game even goes the distance.

[jimbo]

This just breaks my heart as a Dayton fan. Seasons like this are a once in a lifetime thing for programs like Dayton's, and these players have put their heart and soul into the one goal of proving themselves on a national level, and now it's almost a certainty they won't get that chance. Just pure heartbreak.

The arguments as to if these are the right decisions or not, are probably for a different thread, but I just feel awful right now.

Nothing can take away what this team did this season.......but damn. :cry:

[Boston Red]

FWIW, UC was the #1 AAC seed and would get the auto bid. Likely does not matter.

[cumberlandreds]

I’ll be shocked if they wait until tomorrow at this point.

They may wait around until about Saturday to see if things change in any way. But at this point it's probably just going to get worse instead of better. I would say a 99.9% chance its canceled.

I do feel bad for schools like Dayton and SD State who were having great seasons that only come along very little for them. It has to be crushing. Also for seniors who were hoping to have one last chance for some glory or just to experience March Madness just one time.

[Boston Red]

Big East changed their minds at the half. Wild.

[cumberlandreds]

Big East changed their minds at the half. Wild.

News travels slow to NYC I guess.

[Chip R]

The University of Kansas athletic department has cancelled all athletic travel indefinitely. All home and away events have been suspended indefinitely.

[cumberlandreds]

The University of Kansas athletic department has cancelled all athletic travel indefinitely. All home and away events have been suspended indefinitely.

Combine that with Duke canceling all athletic events and that means no chance for the NCAA tournament. They aren't going to have it without two of the their cash cows. I expect an announcement any time now.

[Boston Red]

Who needs Kansas and Duke in the NCAA Tournament anyway?

[Chip R]

Who needs Kansas and Duke in the NCAA Tournament anyway?

CBS.

[Revering4Blue]

Per Jeff Goodman@GoodmanHoops:

-- Kansas has NOT pulled out of the NCAA Tournament.

-- Nearly 10 of the top coaches in college basketball have spoken and are on board with the following idea, source told me.

- Selection Sunday on as planned.

- Postpone the NCAA Tournament and continue to monitor the situation.

“We all talked, and agree on this,” once told me.

[Chip R]

The ACC has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice.

[Chip R]

The tournament has been cancelled along with all the other winter and spring championships. Cancelled, not postponed.

https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships

[Boston Red]

I'm surprised they're already calling off the CWS. But it is what it is.

[paintmered]

Really sorry, UD fans. You have every right to be gutted.

[dubc47834]

Really sorry, UD fans. You have every right to be gutted.

What's the "better" way to be gutted, no NCAA tourney, or a 2nd round loss to 9 seed?

[WVRed]

What's the "better" way to be gutted, no NCAA tourney, or a 2nd round loss to 9 seed?

Ask the Expos from the 90s.

We’ll never know, and that’s what makes this painful regardless of who you pull for.

[KronoRed]

It won't happen immediately but in a few months or definitely next season some teams will start declaring themselves "CONFERENCE" or even "NATIONAL" champs for this year because the games weren't played, these schools are pure scum and should be banned from everything forever.
/rant

[WVRed]

It won't happen immediately but in a few months or definitely next season some teams will start declaring themselves "CONFERENCE" or even "NATIONAL" champs for this year because the games weren't played, these schools are pure scum and should be banned from everything forever.
/rant

You mean like UCF in football?

[adkindo]

You mean like UCF in football?

if you want to be technical about it....UCF was declared National Champions by Colley Matrix. While they were not CFP Champions, any team that finishes the season ranked #1 by a nationally recognized metric has a "legitimate" claim to National Championship recognition.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football_national_championships_in_NCAA_Di vision_I_FBS

In 2016, Alabama finished #1 in Colley Matrix, while Clemson won the Playoff and were ranked #1 in every other nationally recognized metric. Alabama realized it would not be received well internally or externally to claim a National Championship after just losing to Clemson.

I am not telling you or anyone to not find it silly that UCF accepted the ability to claim the National Championship, but the national sports media narrative that they made the claim out of thin air or have no support behind the claim is technically false.

[Rojo Rijo]

It won't happen immediately but in a few months or definitely next season some teams will start declaring themselves "CONFERENCE" or even "NATIONAL" champs for this year because the games weren't played, these schools are pure scum and should be banned from everything forever.
/rant

ACC declared FSU conference champs without them even playing a game. What a total joke. How could you possibly accept that trophy?

[Rojo Rijo]

if you want to be technical about it....UCF was declared National Champions by Colley Matrix. While they were not CFP Champions, any team that finishes the season ranked #1 by a nationally recognized metric has a "legitimate" claim to National Championship recognition.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football_national_championships_in_NCAA_Di vision_I_FBS

In 2016, Alabama finished #1 in Colley Matrix, while Clemson won the Playoff and were ranked #1 in every other nationally recognized metric. Alabama realized it would not be received well internally or externally to claim a National Championship after just losing to Clemson.

I am not telling you or anyone to not find it silly that UCF accepted the ability to claim the National Championship, but the national sports media narrative that they made the claim out of thin air or have no support behind the claim is technically false.

UCF has the same claim to that National Championship as Tennessee has to being the Champions of Life.

[Assembly Hall]

ACC declared FSU conference champs without them even playing a game. What a total joke. How could you possibly accept that trophy?

They were the regular season champs...as was UK in the SEC...nothing wrong with hanging a banner.

[WVRed]

In non-coronavirus news, Grand Canyon has fired Dan Majerle

https://www.azfamily.com/sports/gcu-fires-men-s-basketball-coach-dan-majerle/article_a421f3d6-64c9-11ea-9b5b-a35e1d426e5d.html

Rick Pitino being floated as a candidate.

[WVRed]

They were the regular season champs...as was UK in the SEC...nothing wrong with hanging a banner.

Your previous coach would agree with that. [emoji846]

[Boston Red]

In non-coronavirus news, Grand Canyon has fired Dan Majerle

https://www.azfamily.com/sports/gcu-fires-men-s-basketball-coach-dan-majerle/article_a421f3d6-64c9-11ea-9b5b-a35e1d426e5d.html

Rick Pitino being floated as a candidate.

I think it's crazy that they fired Thunder Dan. I thought he did a pretty nice job there, although obviously they were down this year.

BTW, that's a pretty heady group of names to have in a story about Grand Canyon: Thunder Dan, Marvin Menzies and Jerry Colangelo.

[Assembly Hall]

Your previous coach would agree with that. [emoji846]

Well, I can't say nothing about that incident. IU fans didn't like it either.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I think it's crazy that they fired Thunder Dan. I thought he did a pretty nice job there, although obviously they were down this year.

Best player from last year was academically ineligible all season, and the guy they thought would be their best player this season never got eligible.

That falls on the head coach, but it really wasn't his fault.

Majerle is a good coach. He'd be a phenomenal "get" as an assistant just about anywhere.

[Boston Red]

Imagine being academically ineligible at Grand Canyon. Yikes.

[Reds Freak]

Imagine being academically ineligible at Grand Canyon. Yikes.

I got a kick out of GCU calling themselves a premier, mid-major basketball destination.

[WVRed]

Best player from last year was academically ineligible all season, and the guy they thought would be their best player this season never got eligible.

That falls on the head coach, but it really wasn't his fault.

Majerle is a good coach. He'd be a phenomenal "get" as an assistant just about anywhere.

Wonder if Cal would take him if Joel Justus gets the UNC-Wilmington job?

[Chip R]

I got a kick out of GCU calling themselves a premier, mid-major basketball destination.

It's a Christian university too so Pitino would have no problems fitting in. :laugh:

Seriously, I understand their game experience doesn't take a back seat to very many teams.

[Reds Freak]

It's a Christian university too so Pitino would have no problems fitting in. :laugh:

Seriously, I understand their game experience doesn't take a back seat to very many teams.

You're right, I've seen some of the videos from their games and their student section. And they seem to have an unlimited budget. Still, something about the place gives me the heebie jeebies.

[WVRed]

Wonder if Cal would take him if Joel Justus gets the UNC-Wilmington job?

Never mind. They hired Takayuo Sidde (?)

[adkindo]

UCF has the same claim to that National Championship as Tennessee has to being the Champions of Life.

They would have handled my team and your team that season. They were clearly the best team in Florida.

[adkindo]

You're right, I've seen some of the videos from their games and their student section. And they seem to have an unlimited budget. Still, something about the place gives me the heebie jeebies.

it is stigmatized from originally being an online school. Supposedly they have built a decent expanding campus and are trying hard to move past that reputation, but it will take time. I am pretty sure that is where we drafted Quin Cotton from last summer.

[adkindo]

after thinking about the proposals of giving Seniors in Winter Sports such as basketball another year of eligibility, I think it will just lead to more problems. I get the terrible situation, but giving Seniors another season will negatively impact current hs recruits, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors by squeezing their playing time and opportunity. The truth is for the majority of the 300+ D1 basketball programs act in a similar manner to a high school where players playing time and opportunity expand each year as they develop and the Seniors graduate.

Spring sport athletes are different since they truly were robbed of a season, but I think you have to give everyone currently enrolled an additional year, and not limit it to Seniors. Why is it fair for a Junior to lose his/her Junior Season any more than it is for a Senior to lose their Senior Season? The problem there is most of those athletes are not on full scholarships, and will not simply stay in school for an additional season when they could obtain professional employment.

[WVRed]

after thinking about the proposals of giving Seniors in Winter Sports such as basketball another year of eligibility, I think it will just lead to more problems. I get the terrible situation, but giving Seniors another season will negatively impact current hs recruits, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors by squeezing their playing time and opportunity. The truth is for the majority of the 300+ D1 basketball programs act in a similar manner to a high school where players playing time and opportunity expand each year as they develop and the Seniors graduate.

Spring sport athletes are different since they truly were robbed of a season, but I think you have to give everyone currently enrolled an additional year, and not limit it to Seniors. Why is it fair for a Junior to lose his/her Junior Season any more than it is for a Senior to lose their Senior Season? The problem there is most of those athletes are not on full scholarships, and will not simply stay in school for an additional season when they could obtain professional employment.

I think it’s much ado about nothing, at least at the higher collegiate level.

Anyone who was a senior was likely flirting with the draft last year when they were a junior. Cassius Winston, Myles Powell, Udoka Azubuike, and Markus Howard all come to mind. They are all north of 21, will have their degree in hand, and despite what they say now will have a harder time turning down millions in the NBA.

[Rojo Rijo]

They would have handled my team and your team that season. They were clearly the best team in Florida.

That's not saying much

[Rojo Rijo]

They were the regular season champs...as was UK in the SEC...nothing wrong with hanging a banner.

I knew where it was headed....

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28900639/florida-state-senate-proclaims-florida-state-national-champions

[jimbo]

I knew where it was headed....

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28900639/florida-state-senate-proclaims-florida-state-national-champions

That's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.

Dayton is clearly the national champs :p

[Boston Red]

To me it was pretty obvious that this was East Tennessee State's year.

[Chip R]

Pitino to Iona.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28902504/rick-pitino-candidate-iona-job

[KronoRed]

I knew where it was headed....

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28900639/florida-state-senate-proclaims-florida-state-national-champions

I'd like to think fsu will say "Thanks but no Thanks" but you know they won't, banners are being printed right now.

[WVRed]

Pitino to Iona.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28902504/rick-pitino-candidate-iona-job

Dickie V is already pushing trying to get Kentucky to play Iona for the Jimmy V Classic.

I say no way. Pitino has burnt his bridges in Kentucky. He’s now at a mid major trying to rehab his image. If Kentucky wins they were supposed to win. If they lose, the media and seeding fallout will be on par with Evansville and probably worse because it’s Pitino.

Hard pass. Move on.

[adkindo]

Pitino to Iona.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28902504/rick-pitino-candidate-iona-job

smart move....Pitino will be worth every penny for that program for a couple years. I personally think many schools with openings messed up by passing on the man....he is truly one of the greatest to ever do it. He is a flawed man, but in a sport where Bill Self and Will Wade are still making millions of dollars on the sidelines, Pitino fits in well.

[adkindo]

Dickie V is already pushing trying to get Kentucky to play Iona for the Jimmy V Classic.

I say no way. Pitino has burnt his bridges in Kentucky. He’s now at a mid major trying to rehab his image. If Kentucky wins they were supposed to win. If they lose, the media and seeding fallout will be on par with Evansville and probably worse because it’s Pitino.

Hard pass. Move on.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/EnviousMeagerAplomadofalcon-max-1mb.gif

;)

[adkindo]

Bill Self wants everyone to know that he would be ok if the NCAA used the polls to crown a national champion this season.

[Assembly Hall]

Bill Self wants everyone to know that he would be ok if the NCAA used the polls to crown a national champion this season.

What would you think if West Virginia was #1 in the final poll?

[redsfandan]

UD finished 3rd in final poll:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2020/03/18/kansas-finishes-no-1-in-final-ap-poll-gonzaga-dayton-next/111432500/

[RichRed]

James Madison hires Georgia Southern coach and former UNC Wilmington player, Mark Byington. I think I like it but I’ve been fooled before.

https://jmusports.com/news/2020/3/20/mark-byington-named-mens-basketball-head-coach.aspx

[adkindo]

ESPN's Way too early Top 25 (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28936673/villanova-tops-college-basketball-way-too-early-top-25-2020-21) is problematic for any WVU fan....#24? Per their writeup, they are basing this on only senior attrition, and WVU was ranked higher than #24 most of this season and only loses one starter/contributor who averaged 9/4/2 per game (Haley) (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4397097/jermaine-haley). Everyone else returns including the best front court in the country in Derek Culver (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4397094/derek-culver) and Oscar Tshiebwe (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4432827/oscar-tshiebwe). On top of that we have break out freshman Miles McBride (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4431823/miles-mcbride) returning with scoring threats such as Emmitt Matthews (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4397099/emmitt-matthews-jr), Taz Sherman (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4592307/taz-sherman), Sean McNeil (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4592306/sean-mcneil) and Jordan McCabe (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4397100/jordan-mccabe) (All were inconsistent but showed flashes that they can fill up the box score, and most first year transfer players have far better second seasons in Huggins program).Finally, do all the dirty work wonder Gabe Osabuohien (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4278051/gabe-osabuohien) is back! The lineup will be adding 4 Star ESPN 100 Red Shirt Freshman SF Jalen Bridges (https://247sports.com/Player/Jalen-Bridges-46056562/high-school-218955/) and 4 Star ESPN 100 true Freshman PF Isaiah Cottrell (https://247sports.com/player/isaiah-cottrell-46040560/) to the lineup....along with a very good JC PG Kedrian Johnson (https://247sports.com/player/kedrian-johnson-46094048/) and Huggins special do everything athlete in true Freshman SF Taj Thweatt (https://247sports.com/player/taj-thweatt-46057578/) out of New Jersey. This is a team that could be the most versatile and talented roster Huggins has ever coached, at least @ WVU. This is the same group of Freshman and Sophomores that just beat #4 Baylor a couple weeks ago that will be a year older/improved and the talent entering is far greater than the talent exiting.

I get the programs with the Top 5 or 10 classes will often start the season taking up most of the Top 10, but it truly is a slight to not have this WVU team in the Top 15. I am not concerned over the ranking if it resembles the actual polls because we will have ample opportunity to prove ourselves early in the season with the Battle 4 Atlantis's impressive field of teams (Duke (#6), Ohio State (#13), Creighton (#2), Wichita State, Utah, Texas A&M and Memphis), then Purdue in the Hall of Fame Invitational, a Big East team in the Big East/Big12 Battle, and a supposedly improved Pitt team; still I feel the slight is fairly heavy. I was right 2 years ago when I projected the early polls had WVU significantly over ranked....and I was right this year when WVU was significantly underranked in the preseason (KenPom in the 60's)....this will be 3 years in a row of being correct about this team being valued incorrectly!

[adkindo]

this guy just can't help himself.....

Dan Dakich under investigation for comments on Scottsburg basketball coach firing (https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/03/20/emmis-investigating-dan-dakichs-comments-scottsburg-coach-firing/2881793001/)


Dan Dakich went on a 5-minute rant on his radio show Wednesday, lambasting the firing of Scottsburg High's basketball coach, calling a player a "methhead," urging listeners to go "take a dump" in Scottsburg and threatening, "I may just drive down there and beat the hell out of every school board member."

The tirade, including Dakich saying Scottsburg is a town full of "meth and AIDS and needles” set off a string of emails and calls from residents to WFNI The Fan, where his noon to 3 p.m. "The Dan Dakich Show" airs.

[Ohayou]

Dayton's Toppin/Grant AP POTY/COTY.

[Chip R]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28982980/michigan-state-basketball-coach-tom-izzo-sought-witness-2017-criminal-investigation-player

[adkindo]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28982980/michigan-state-basketball-coach-tom-izzo-sought-witness-2017-criminal-investigation-player

I read that article earlier, and I have no issue jumping on Izzo, but I can see that taking place without any intended malice. They find out their player is accused of something, and just reaching out to a potential witness that they know personally to see if he has any information. Maybe it was not the correct procedure, but the headline sounds worse than the story in my opinion.

[Assembly Hall]

I read that article earlier, and I have no issue jumping on Izzo, but I can see that taking place without any intended malice. They find out their player is accused of something, and just reaching out to a potential witness that they know personally to see if he has any information. Maybe it was not the correct procedure, but the headline sounds worse than the story in my opinion.

Really? Sparty needs gutted...MSU is starting to make Paterno and Penn St. look like a bunch of choir boys.

[adkindo]

Not a good couple days for Michigan basketball....yesterday 5 Star Top 10 recruit Joshua Christopher chose Arizona State after most expected him to become part of an elite Michigan class of 2020.....then today 5 Star Top 15 recruit Isaiah Todd pulls out of his Michigan verbal commitment to explore pro opportunities.

[WVRed]

Luther Muhammad surprised everyone by committing to Arizona State.

Honestly thought he was headed to WVU or Seton Hall.

[adkindo]

Luther Muhammad surprised everyone by committing to Arizona State.

Honestly thought he was headed to WVU or Seton Hall.

I was loosely following, but I saw the crystal balls come in recent days on 247, and they were all to AZ State. At that point, I knew that was going to be his choice. I had heard to limited PT at WVU was going to be an issue. It is just the way Huggins teams roll....unless you are a Jevon Carter, you likely are not getting 30 minutes a night. He may have started at WVU or been the first guy off the bench, but he would still only get 25 MPG at the most.

[adkindo]

UK falls (#15), and WVU still being disrespected (#24?!?! Out of their damn minds) in the updated ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2020-21 (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29064753/virginia-kentucky-college-basketball-way-too-early-top-25-2020-21)

[adkindo]

Tulane guard Teshaun Hightower charged with murder in Georgia (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29101453/tulane-guard-teshaun-hightower-charged-murder-georgia)


Tulane basketball player Teshaun Hightower was arrested Saturday and charged with murder in connection with a homicide in Stockbridge, Georgia, earlier this month.

[adkindo]

hallelujah :party:


Oscar Tshiebwe will return for his sophomore season, withdrawing from the NBA Draft process (https://247sports.com/college/west-virginia/Article/Tshiebwe-makes-decision-on-NBA-Draft-146516242/), he announced on Sunday evening.

[adkindo]

NCAA announces the issue of a one time transfer without sitting issue is being tabled this year. Many thought and even predicted it would be passes this year. This will definitely change the strategy of many players and teams this year.

[Boston Red]

Looks like UC will be getting a visit from Chris Mack in November (if there's a season).

[adkindo]

Looks like UC will be getting a visit from Chris Mack in November (if there's a season).

there will be a season....cannot guarantee it will be in November, but college basketball can't go without a season on top of missing the revenue from this past tournament.

[WVRed]

So anyone think Gregg Marshall has a job after this coming weekend?

[Boston Red]

So anyone think Gregg Marshall has a job after this coming weekend?

I live in Wichita and have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll be checking into it now. Hopefully he will, because Wichita (the city) is better off with Gregg at WSU.

Ouch, brutal. Hopefully they can at least avoid paying him his $3.5 million per year.

[WVRed]

I live in Wichita and have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll be checking into it now. Hopefully he will, because Wichita (the city) is better off with Gregg at WSU.

Ouch, brutal. Hopefully they can at least avoid paying him his $3.5 million per year.

Probably would help if I cited my sources:


https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30074157/wichita-state-investigating-coach-gregg-marshall-amid-misconduct-allegations

[Reds Freak]

Probably would help if I cited my sources:


https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30074157/wichita-state-investigating-coach-gregg-marshall-amid-misconduct-allegations

Anyone who's watched the 3Gs on the sideline for more than two minutes or listened to any of the whispers around that program for years shouldn't be surprised.

[adkindo]

So anyone think Gregg Marshall has a job after this coming weekend?

not sure....have to see what the investigation claims. The allegations sounded pretty bad, but if they were accurate, I am not sure how he avoided multiple azz beatings.

[Boston Red]

John Brannen channeled his inner Chris Mack today. Weird.

[adkindo]

John Brannen channeled his inner Chris Mack today. Weird.

I kind of liked it. Are you a UC or Xavier guy?

[Boston Red]

I kind of liked it. Are you a UC or Xavier guy?

Xavier

[adkindo]

Xavier

ok....I just do not mind the lighthearted crap talking with these coaches....especially to intensify the rivalry. I bet it plays well with young recruits also...

[adkindo]

Crossover Classic (in place of the Battle 4 Atlantis) 1st Round Matchups are set....

First-Round Matchups
Nov. 25 (All times ET)
West Virginia vs. Texas A&M, 2 p.m.
Ohio State vs. Memphis, 4:30 p.m.
Creighton vs. Utah, 7 p.m.
Dayton vs. Wichita State, 9:30 p.m.

Three years ago, WVU entered the season ranked #11 and played an unranked Texas A&M the first game @ Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. WVU was a trendy preseason Final Four pick. TA&M slaughtered us....really, one of the few games I recall just taking a beating. We won our next 15 games and climbed back up to #2 in the country....but it was still one of the more embarrassing debuts given the expectations.

[Assembly Hall]

Crossover Classic (in place of the Battle 4 Atlantis) 1st Round Matchups are set....

First-Round Matchups
Nov. 25 (All times ET)
West Virginia vs. Texas A&M, 2 p.m.
Ohio State vs. Memphis, 4:30 p.m.
Creighton vs. Utah, 7 p.m.
Dayton vs. Wichita State, 9:30 p.m.

Three years ago, WVU entered the season ranked #11 and played an unranked Texas A&M the first game @ Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. WVU was a trendy preseason Final Four pick. TA&M slaughtered us....really, one of the few games I recall just taking a beating. We won our next 15 games and climbed back up to #2 in the country....but it was still one of the more embarrassing debuts given the expectations.

Dang...that is one heckuva stacked tournament.

[Boston Red]

Wichita State should have been good, but about 75% of the team fled after last season...and now we apparently know why.

[Assembly Hall]

Wichita State should have been good, but about 75% of the team fled after last season...and now we apparently know why.

Was it JUST 75%? LOL Makes me wonder how in the hell he got recruits?

[adkindo]

Dang...that is one heckuva stacked tournament.

Duke was originally included, but they dropped out when it moved from the Bahamas to SD. I do not see the logic....I just think they realized the field was loaded in a year where they are expected to be mediocre by Duke standards. It is the type of field where a good team could start off the year with 2 losses.