2024 College Basketball Thread

[Sea Ray]

Tennessee wins a huge game at the buzzer vs Alabama. Arguably the game of the year in college basketball


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[UKFlounder]

Tennessee wins a huge game at the buzzer vs Alabama. Arguably the game of the year in college basketball


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At least until Alabama - Auburn this week, LOl

Game of the year or not, it was agite enjoyable to watch

[goreds2]

The entire first round of the Men’s Big 10 Tournament will be aired only on Peacock.

Wednesday, March 12 — First Round

Game 1: No. 12 seed Minnesota vs. No. 13 Northwestern | 3:30 p.m. on Peacock
Game 2: No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Iowa | 25 minutes after Game 1 on Peacock
Game 3: No. 11 Rutgers vs. No. 14 Southern Cal | 25 minutes after Game 2 on Peacock

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-09/2025-big-ten-tournament-bracket-schedule-game-times-mens-basketball

[RichRed]

I love that the Big Sky is referring to its tournament taking place in Boise as “Starch Madness.”

https://bigskyconf.com/tournaments/?id=635

[Assembly Hall]

The entire first round of the Men’s Big 10 Tournament will be aired only on Peacock.

Wednesday, March 12 — First Round

Game 1: No. 12 seed Minnesota vs. No. 13 Northwestern | 3:30 p.m. on Peacock
Game 2: No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Iowa | 25 minutes after Game 1 on Peacock
Game 3: No. 11 Rutgers vs. No. 14 Southern Cal | 25 minutes after Game 2 on Peacock

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-09/2025-big-ten-tournament-bracket-schedule-game-times-mens-basketball

The Bucks need some wins.

[RedTeamGo!]

The Bucks need some wins.

They are real bad

[bucksfan2]

Good article and suggestions here about college basketball's end of game problems. The sport becomes mind-numbing with the reviews, fouls, and timeouts. Most games seem to push into the 2:15-2:30 mark now, which is insane. I'm on board for all Wolken's recommendations except for the last two, which he admits are more radical.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/columnist/dan-wolken/2025/02/27/mens-college-basketball-long-unwatchable-finish/80708810007/

Is there anyone more miserable when covering their sport than Wolken?

I pretty much despise everything with the exception of the challenges on out of bounds plays. I would amend that to say you can review anything after the two minute mark, but you get 90 seconds at the monitor. After 90 seconds the monitor turns off and if you haven't determined anything, the call stands.

I like halves, no need making CBB like the NBA, same for the shot clock, 30 is fine for me.

[RedTeamGo!]

They are real bad

Buckeyes are reallllllly bad

[bucksfan2]

Buckeyes are reallllllly bad

Team just can't get over the hump.

[WVRed]

Story of the tournament so far:

Cooper Flagg injured and taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. Doubtful to return and Georgia Tech is playing Duke very close right now.

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[WVRed]

Iowa parting ways with Fran McCaffrey.

Heres a hypothetical:

If Darian Devries leaves WVU after one season, would WVU bring back Bob Huggins?

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[Slyder]

Iowa parting ways with Fran McCaffrey.

Heres a hypothetical:

If Darian Devries leaves WVU after one season, would WVU bring back Bob Huggins?

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With Gee... 0%
After he retires... not 0 but slim. If Wren does... I trust him. Only reason I haven't sworn off WVU football is his other hires have been very, very, very solid.

https://wvsportsnow.com/what-we-know-from-wren-bakers-previous-hirings-at-wvu/

[westofyou]

Iowa parting ways with Fran McCaffrey.

Heres a hypothetical:

If Darian Devries leaves WVU after one season, would WVU bring back Bob Huggins?

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Why?

What would it do other than create press? He's 71... and it ain't gonna get better

[WVRed]

Why?

What would it do other than create press? He's 71... and it ain't gonna get betterWhen you see what Pitino is doing at St Johns, age isn't a factor.

And Huggins wouldn't use the job as a stepping stone. That's probably what every coach without ties to the state would do. That's why bringing back RichRod made sense. He isn't going to leave unless he is paid to do so.

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[westofyou]

When you see what Pitino is doing at St Johns, age isn't a factor.

And Huggins wouldn't use the job as a stepping stone. That's probably what every coach without ties to the state would do. That's why bringing back RichRod made sense. He isn't going to leave unless he is paid to do so.

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Usure why WV is leaning on guys they should be moving past, but I'd say Huggins personal scandals + age are more problematic than Pitino's scandals + age

[RedTeamGo!]

Sigh Dayton Flyers. Sigh.

[WVRed]

Usure why WV is leaning on guys they should be moving past, but I'd say Huggins personal scandals + age are more problematic than Pitino's scandals + ageDepends on if he is clean or not.

I doubt Baker does it and like Slyder said Gee is still there.

RichRod has every major donor backing the hire to where I kinda wonder if Baker had any say. When Pat McAfee streams the press conference live and gives WVU publicity for it people listen.

On a side note, Baker has shown he won't look at WV ties to a candidate. Kim Caldwell should have been locked down when Kellogg was hired for women's basketball. Caldwell is a WV native and was head coach at Glenville State. It would have probably been harder to say no to leaving WVU than it would have been leaving Marshall for Tennessee.

But if Devries does leave, it's a conversation to have because you know at least Huggins won't leave after a year or two. I'm not even sure WVU could get Ben McCollum.

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[WVRed]

Louisville an 8 seed playing in Lexington.

If I were Auburn I would be furious.

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[Boston Red]

Louisville is the one that should be furious.

I guess both can be mad.

[WVRed]

Louisville is the one that should be furious.

I guess both can be mad.I can see that similar to Kentucky and Wichita State about 10 years ago. I think Louisville beats Auburn, especially since Auburn has hit the floor lately.

WVU got screwed worse than anyone.

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[RedTeamGo!]

Some of these seeds are hilarious. Missou as a 6 seed?

[Slyder]

This committee needs to pass a drug test, sobriety test, and investigation for bribery... UNC... 1 quad 1 win...

WVU isn't in because Tucker Devries is hurt... We played more games without him than with him. These clowns quid quo pro I'm sure.

[RedTeamGo!]

I’m sorry for 14 teams from the SEC is absolutely, 100% absurd. Oklahoma won a total of 7 games in the months of January, February, and March combined. Oklahoma and Texas both went 6-12 in conference. It is an absolute joke either team made the tourney. How did Oklahoma get a 9 seed????

[WVRed]

This committee needs to pass a drug test, sobriety test, and investigation for bribery... UNC... 1 quad 1 win...

WVU isn't in because Tucker Devries is hurt... We played more games without him than with him. These clowns quid quo pro I'm sure.

One theory I heard:

The NCAA asked the selection committee to bypass WVU in retaliation for WVU filing a lawsuit last year to get Raequon Battle eligible. That has pretty much destroyed the NCAA in terms of players being able to transfer with no repercussions.

[Slyder]

One theory I heard:

The NCAA asked the selection committee to bypass WVU in retaliation for WVU filing a lawsuit last year to get Raequon Battle eligible. That has pretty much destroyed the NCAA in terms of players being able to transfer with no repercussions.

They should have done the right thing to begin with and not moved the goal posts, while letting others do the SAME THING. That was a crock. If that's provable I wonder if another lawsuit with monetary damage would send another message.

[WVRed]

I’m sorry for 14 teams from the SEC is absolutely, 100% absurd. Oklahoma won a total of 7 games in the months of January, February, and March combined. Oklahoma and Texas both went 6-12 in conference. It is an absolute joke either team made the tourney. How did Oklahoma get a 9 seed????UNC getting in with their AD being the committee head is absurd.

There is so much wrong with this year's tourney.

Louisville being an 8 seed (highly underseeded) playing a defacto home game is bad enough, WVU had no business being left out.

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[Sea Ray]

Indiana should have made it in over either UNC or West Virginia


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[Boston Red]

Arkansas vs Kansas in the Underachievement Bowl.

[Slyder]

UNC getting in with their AD being the committee head is absurd.

There is so much wrong with this year's tourney.

Louisville being an 8 seed (highly underseeded) playing a defacto home game is bad enough, WVU had no business being left out.

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Plus apparently he got a 100k bonus for UNC making the tourney.

[WVRed]

Arkansas vs Kansas in the Underachievement Bowl.Kinda hoping Arkansas wins for Cal vs Pitino.

Really surprised Kentucky wasn't placed against St Johns for that reason as well (Pope vs Pitino)

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[WVRed]

Early thoughts:

I can definitely see Louisville knocking off Auburn and making a deep run. Between being underseeded, getting a home game and Auburn not finishing out the season very strong they could be an early exit.

I could see Drake making some noise in the tournament. Actually have Arkansas and Florida in the Elite Eight in that region. Florida is a actually my national champion pick.

Alabama might be the worst draw for Duke assuming Grant Nelson is healthy. Arizona with Caleb Love could knock them out as well.

Really surprised the committee elected to put Kentucky and Tennessee in a potential Sweet 16 matchup. I like Tennessee to beat Houston but if Kentucky beats Tennessee then Houston to beat Kentucky. McNeese State could muddy up the waters too.

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[Rojo Rijo]

I’m sorry for 14 teams from the SEC is absolutely, 100% absurd. Oklahoma won a total of 7 games in the months of January, February, and March combined. Oklahoma and Texas both went 6-12 in conference. It is an absolute joke either team made the tourney. How did Oklahoma get a 9 seed????

Oklahoma was 13-0 in non conference with wins against Arizona, Louisville, and Michigan all at neutral sites. That’s the number 16, 17, and 29 overall in seeding. In conference they picked up wins against Vanderbilt, Mississippi St, Texas, and Missouri. That’s 7 wins against tournament teams. OU absolutely deserved their bid. Maybe not their seed, but definitely their bid.

Texas was a big surprise, their non conference resume is not impressive and their big conference wins are Mizzou, A&Mx2, Kentucky, and Mississippi St. Maybe if they would’ve picked up a win against one of the top 4 in conference I could understand but they went 0-4 against them with 3 of the 4 games being home games, didn’t have to play any of them twice until they saw UT in the SECT. I don’t think Texas deserved to be in.

Overall this has been the expectation from the beginning that the SEC would get a ton of teams into the dance. You can even look back in this thread where I showed the SECs ridiculous non-conference record. Now will they dominate the tournament or fall on their face? We’ll just have to wait and see.

[bucksfan2]

The committee has always opted for interesting story lines when it comes to seeding. I would love to see an unbiased reporter in there telling the story of the committee.

UNC had two things going for them, they are a blue blood and the head of the committee was their AD. No matter how you spin it, it played a role.

[RedTeamGo!]

Oklahoma was 13-0 in non conference with wins against Arizona, Louisville, and Michigan all at neutral sites. That’s the number 16, 17, and 29 overall in seeding. In conference they picked up wins against Vanderbilt, Mississippi St, Texas, and Missouri. That’s 7 wins against tournament teams. OU absolutely deserved their bid. Maybe not their seed, but definitely their bid.

Texas was a big surprise, their non conference resume is not impressive and their big conference wins are Mizzou, A&Mx2, Kentucky, and Mississippi St. Maybe if they would’ve picked up a win against one of the top 4 in conference I could understand but they went 0-4 against them with 3 of the 4 games being home games, didn’t have to play any of them twice until they saw UT in the SECT. I don’t think Texas deserved to be in.

Overall this has been the expectation from the beginning that the SEC would get a ton of teams into the dance. You can even look back in this thread where I showed the SECs ridiculous non-conference record. Now will they dominate the tournament or fall on their face? We’ll just have to wait and see.

So, basically, conference results don't matter anymore for the SEC?

I am sorry, but I am not going to get on board with a 6-12 conference record getting in. Absolutely not.

[Sea Ray]

So, basically, conference results don't matter anymore for the SEC?

I am sorry, but I am not going to get on board with a 6-12 conference record getting in. Absolutely not.

13-0 in non conference says a lot. Shows how rough the SEC was this year

[bucksfan2]

So, basically, conference results don't matter anymore for the SEC?

I am sorry, but I am not going to get on board with a 6-12 conference record getting in. Absolutely not.

With massive conferences, your are more than likely to see years like this.

I did hear that sentiment that the SEC got this based upon their early non conference play. We will see if they are deserving of all these bids.

[RedTeamGo!]

13-0 in non conference says a lot. Shows how rough the SEC was this year

Honestly, I am not convinced of this. College basketball teams are effectively completely different teams from November to March. For example, Oklahoma beat Michigan in December (I watched this game in a hotel room in Redondo Beach, CA and remember it well) - Michigan was very early on in their first year with a brand new coach. This Michigan team just won the big ten tourney. Do we really think if those two teams played again today it would be the same result? I just find it very difficult to believe, personally.

I think 3 of UNC, Xavier, Texas, and Oklahoma should not have made it. WVU, Indiana, and Boise St all got completely hosed.

[Roy Tucker]

Not that anyone cares, but college hoops has pretty well lost me as a fan. The transfer rule has ruined any continuity for me.

[Sea Ray]

Not that anyone cares, but college hoops has pretty well lost me as a fan. The transfer rule has ruined any continuity for me.

I think that rule has ruined college football more but your point is well taken

What's Ohio State and IU doing? Las Vegas? NIT? Or are they just shutting down?

[RedTeamGo!]

I think that rule has ruined college football more but your point is well taken

What's Ohio State and IU doing? Las Vegas? NIT? Or are they just shutting down?

Both shut it down

I think Indiana wants to start the coaching search immediately and if I had to guess OSU is hemorrhaging players already it's just not public. OSU is a dumpster fire right now.

[Sea Ray]

Both shut it down

I think Indiana wants to start the coaching search immediately and if I had to guess OSU is hemorrhaging players already it's just not public. OSU is a dumpster fire right now.

Nothing wrong with that

[Boston Red]

As a Xavier fan, I'm obviously pleased the Muskies made it, but I wouldn't have been upset with the Committee if they didn't. All the teams in the Bubble conversation are horribly flawed and had plenty of opporunities to not be on the Bubble in the first place. If you get left out, it's entirely your fault.

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I thought the conferences associated with Fox were required to send their top two teams that didn't make the Tournament to the Crown. Given the money for the players of the winning teams, the Crown is the only non-NCAA Tournament event I would think players would actually want to go play in.

[Sea Ray]

As a Xavier fan, I'm obviously pleased the Muskies made it, but I wouldn't have been upset with the Committee if they didn't. All the teams in the Bubble conversation are horribly flawed and had plenty of opporunities to not be on the Bubble in the first place. If you get left out, it's entirely your fault.

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I thought the conferences associated with Fox were required to send their top two teams that didn't make the Tournament to the Crown. Given the money for the players of the winning teams, the Crown is the only non-NCAA Tournament event I would think players would actually want to go play in.

Have you heard a number? How much do those players get?

[Boston Red]

Have you heard a number? How much do those players get?

I have the Google machine....but I'm just going to tell you the number that's in my head that I thought I read a couple of weeks ago, and that's $300k.

And here's what came from the Google: "Teams advancing to the semifinals will be guaranteed to receive money from the NIL pool. Semfinal losers will get $50,000 each, the runner-up will receive $100,000, and the championship will earn $300,000."

[dubc47834]

Honestly, I am not convinced of this. College basketball teams are effectively completely different teams from November to March. For example, Oklahoma beat Michigan in December (I watched this game in a hotel room in Redondo Beach, CA and remember it well) - Michigan was very early on in their first year with a brand new coach. This Michigan team just won the big ten tourney. Do we really think if those two teams played again today it would be the same result? I just find it very difficult to believe, personally.

I think 3 of UNC, Xavier, Texas, and Oklahoma should not have made it. WVU, Indiana, and Boise St all got completely hosed.

From one of the biggest Indiana fans around...they didn't deserve to get in.

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Both shut it down

I think Indiana wants to start the coaching search immediately and if I had to guess OSU is hemorrhaging players already it's just not public. OSU is a dumpster fire right now.

IU refuses to play in the NIT...they think they are too big for that unfortunately!

[Sea Ray]

I have the Google machine....but I'm just going to tell you the number that's in my head that I thought I read a couple of weeks ago, and that's $300k.

And here's what came from the Google: "Teams advancing to the semifinals will be guaranteed to receive money from the NIL pool. Semfinal losers will get $50,000 each, the runner-up will receive $100,000, and the championship will earn $300,000."

That sounds like the school would get that money. I wonder how much each player would get? It'll be interesting to follow

[WVRed]

Patrick Morrisey (governor of WV) is speaking at 1:00 and has all but threatened a lawsuit against the NCAA.

This is going to get interesting.

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[Sea Ray]

Patrick Morrisey (governor of WV) is speaking at 1:00 and has all but threatened a lawsuit against the NCAA.

This is going to get interesting.

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Cause they didn't get in?

[Rojo Rijo]

So, basically, conference results don't matter anymore for the SEC?

I am sorry, but I am not going to get on board with a 6-12 conference record getting in. Absolutely not.

That’s not true. If Oklahoma doesn’t pick up that handful of wins against those other SEC tournament teams they probably don’t get in. Oklahoma arguably has 2 bad losses…all year - at home to Texas (Q2) and LSU (Q3). Meanwhile they have 7 Quad 1 wins and played 18 Quad 1 games.

Texas (with UNC) did not belong in the tournament but they also ended up with 7 Q1 wins. For me it’s the 0 non conference Q1 wins and the 3-5 Q2 record that’s ugly. I don’t agree with the committee at that one.

I get what you’re saying but it’s an outdated way of looking at it, especially with current conference size and the fact that the SEC was as good or better than any conference has been in the last 30+ years. Jay Bilas said it’s been since the 1980s ACC and even then, they only had 8 teams.

[WVRed]

Cause they didn't get in?Yep.

Plenty of things to consider too when the committee chair got a raise for his team making the tournament. Plus WVU filing a lawsuit last year against the NCAA that this could be considered retaliation.

Will it go anywhere? Probably not but I'm glad WVU is making a stink about it.

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/suing-the-ncaa-gov-morrisey-announces-press-conference-over-wvu-tournament-snub/article_622ba38e-0341-11f0-b4bb-6b64aba4a194.html

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[RedTeamGo!]

That’s not true. If Oklahoma doesn’t pick up that handful of wins against those other SEC tournament teams they probably don’t get in. Oklahoma arguably has 2 bad losses…all year - at home to Texas (Q2) and LSU (Q3). Meanwhile they have 7 Quad 1 wins and played 18 Quad 1 games.

Texas (with UNC) did not belong in the tournament but they also ended up with 7 Q1 wins. For me it’s the 0 non conference Q1 wins and the 3-5 Q2 record that’s ugly. I don’t agree with the committee at that one.

I get what you’re saying but it’s an outdated way of looking at it, especially with current conference size and the fact that the SEC was as good or better than any conference has been in the last 30+ years. Jay Bilas said it’s been since the 1980s ACC and even then, they only had 8 teams.

Yes, but it seems to me like all these quad 1 games are because of what the SEC did in Novevmber. I suppose we will see what happens in the tourney. Honestly, if the SEC does not have a team win it all it will be a gigantic failure IMHO, with this many teams making it. They make up 21% of the field, and if you take out the obvious non-contenders like 15, 16 seeds, it is more like 30% of the field. With how much hype the SEC is getting this year if they dont have a team win it, it will show it was all fraudulent IMHO.

[Boston Red]

I don't think that's necessarily true. If Dook wins it all, but like 10 of the Sweet 16 are SEC teams, 6 of the Elite 8 are SEC teams and 3 of the Final Four are SEC teams, are you really going to claim that makes the SEC a fraud?

[RedTeamGo!]

I don't think that's necessarily true. If Dook wins it all, but like 10 of the Sweet 16 are SEC teams, 6 of the Elite 8 are SEC teams and 3 of the Final Four are SEC teams, are you really going to claim that makes the SEC a fraud?

That situation? Most likely not frauds, but it will still be a huge failure if they have that many teams make the S16 and they dont win it all. People are saying the 2025 SEC is the best conference in the history of basketball, I mean, the hype is insane.

[Boston Red]

Just my opinion, but I don't see how not winning the title would be considered a "failure" for the league. There's no reason a league can't be far and away the best one without having the best team.

[Rojo Rijo]

Yes, but it seems to me like all these quad 1 games are because of what the SEC did in Novevmber. I suppose we will see what happens in the tourney. Honestly, if the SEC does not have a team win it all it will be a gigantic failure IMHO, with this many teams making it. They make up 21% of the field, and if you take out the obvious non-contenders like 15, 16 seeds, it is more like 30% of the field. With how much hype the SEC is getting this year if they dont have a team win it, it will show it was all fraudulent IMHO.

I’ll be disappointed if any of Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, or Missouri don’t make it to the S16, though there are a few potential SEC matchups that could happen in the second round - Bama/Vandy, UF/Oklahoma, and UK/Texas. So in reality the SEC could get as many as 11 teams into the S16. While that is highly unlikely I’d assume the over/under would be around 6.5/7 and with the unpredictability of the dance I’d feel uneasy taking the over.


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[plantmanky]

When you see what Pitino is doing at St Johns, age isn't a factor.

And Huggins wouldn't use the job as a stepping stone. That's probably what every coach without ties to the state would do. That's why bringing back RichRod made sense. He isn't going to leave unless he is paid to do so.

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I think they only do that if Huggins is put on a set term, say 3 years, and he has to find his replacement and have him on the staff ready to go when that 3 years is up.


otherwise, it does not good for WVU.

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Louisville an 8 seed playing in Lexington.

If I were Auburn I would be furious.

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Both should be Furious, but it does feel like this is the NCAA screwing Pearl doesnt it.

[WVRed]

Both shut it down

I think Indiana wants to start the coaching search immediately and if I had to guess OSU is hemorrhaging players already it's just not public. OSU is a dumpster fire right now.

Do you think Ohio State would have been better off hiring Calipari over Diebler? Cal was interested in Ohio State supposedly before the chicken man came calling and I think this years Arkansas team would have done better in the B1G than this year's Ohio State team did.

[WVRed]

I think they only do that if Huggins is put on a set term, say 3 years, and he has to find his replacement and have him on the staff ready to go when that 3 years is up.


otherwise, it does not good for WVU.

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Both should be Furious, but it does feel like this is the NCAA screwing Pearl doesnt it.

Agree on WVU .

Supposedly the North Texas head coach is someone to keep an eye on for WVU if Devries leaves.

[Slyder]

Yep.

Plenty of things to consider too when the committee chair got a raise for his team making the tournament. Plus WVU filing a lawsuit last year against the NCAA that this could be considered retaliation.

Will it go anywhere? Probably not but I'm glad WVU is making a stink about it.

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/suing-the-ncaa-gov-morrisey-announces-press-conference-over-wvu-tournament-snub/article_622ba38e-0341-11f0-b4bb-6b64aba4a194.html

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Did you get a chance to listen? I'm at work and couldn't.

[WVRed]

Did you get a chance to listen? I'm at work and couldn't.Caught it when it was ending but heres a summary:

https://www.wdtv.com/2025/03/17/morrisey-holds-press-conference-condemning-ncaa-excluding-wvu-tournament/

Had a sign at the podium saying National Corrupt Athletics Association.

One of WVUs players has already entered the portal today and Devries is supposedly meeting with Iowa later today.

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[RedTeamGo!]

Do you think Ohio State would have been better off hiring Calipari over Diebler? Cal was interested in Ohio State supposedly before the chicken man came calling and I think this years Arkansas team would have done better in the B1G than this year's Ohio State team did.

Yes, I think the OSU would have been better off hiring just about anyone else. I fully admit I was wrong about hiring Diebler last March. This was just Holtmann 2.0.

[bucksfan2]

Yes, I think the OSU would have been better off hiring just about anyone else. I fully admit I was wrong about hiring Diebler last March. This was just Holtmann 2.0.

Hard pass on Cal, I don't think he has much in the tank left. Never really thought he was a good X's and O's coach. The guy they should have gone after was Dusty May, but they quickly went with Diebler.

I don't know if Diebler is the guy or not, its difficult to determine after one year, especially with a guy who has never coached before.

OSU should be a program that is in the tournament every year and competing for B1G titles. It hasn't been that way since 2021, and I don't know if it returns under Diebler.

FWIW their transfer portal activity has been pretty poor since it really opened up. I would love to know what really happened with Meechie.

[Sea Ray]

That situation? Most likely not frauds, but it will still be a huge failure if they have that many teams make the S16 and they dont win it all. People are saying the 2025 SEC is the best conference in the history of basketball, I mean, the hype is insane.

The tournament is a one and done crap shoot and that's what makes it fun. Knowing you as I do, my guess is there are a lot of scenarios where an SEC team does win it all yet you'll still call the conference a fraud

[RedTeamGo!]

The tournament is a one and done crap shoot and that's what makes it fun. Knowing you as I do, my guess is there are a lot of scenarios where an SEC team does win it all yet you'll still call the conference a fraud

You do not know me.

With that said, if the SEC blows through the tourney and one of their teams win it all I will absolutely not call it fraudulent.

[Sea Ray]

You do not know me.

With that said, if the SEC blows through the tourney and one of their teams win it all I will absolutely not call it fraudulent.

Yeah, you added an extra qualifier in there. If only one SEC team makes the Elite 8 but that team wins it all, you'll still call the conference a fraud. I know you'll be calling them a fraud every week for the next 3 weeks. I'm ready

[RedTeamGo!]

Yeah, you added an extra qualifier in there. If only one SEC team makes the Elite 8 but that team wins it all, you'll still call the conference a fraud. I know you'll be calling them a fraud every week for the next 3 weeks. I'm ready

If 1 SEC team makes the Elite 8 you wouldn't think that disappointing when you have people saying this is the best conference in the history of basketball?

[Sea Ray]

If 1 SEC team makes the Elite 8 you wouldn't think that disappointing when you have people saying this is the best conference in the history of basketball?

Yes, I agree. And if 6 make it but Duke wins it all, it doesn't mean the conference is overrated. You litmus test of who wins it all determining how good the conference is, is flawed

[RedTeamGo!]

Yes, I agree. And if 6 make it but Duke wins it all, it doesn't mean the conference is overrated. You litmus test of who wins it all determining how good the conference is, is flawed

re-read my post responding to Boston Red.

I specifically said in that situation they would not be fraudulent, but I would still consider it a failure.

[Sea Ray]

re-read my post responding to Boston Red.

I specifically said in that situation they would not be fraudulent, but I would still consider it a failure.

So a conference can't be historically good if an NC State or someone like that pulls off an upset in the championship?

I honestly don't even understand your terminology. I've never before described a conference as a failure. Teams yeah, but a conference doesn't succeed or fail

[WVRed]

Ok, who had Indiana hiring Darian Devries on their bingo card?

[Revering4Blue]

Ok, who had Indiana hiring Darian Devries on their bingo card?

FWIW, I had IU hiring Ben McCollum on my bingo card. I will critique the hire of DD in the IU thread. Spoiler: I am very pleased.

On to WVU, where do they go now?

Ben McCollum? He has a working history with Wren Baker.

Jared [SP?] Calhoun? Former WVU assistant who has done a nice job at Utah State.

Ryan Odom? He’s been linked to the open UVA job. But is that a better job - not program - than WVU in today’s CBB landscape?


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[WVRed]

FWIW, I had IU hiring Ben McCollum on my bingo card. I will critique the hire of DD in the IU thread. Spoiler: I am very pleased.

On to WVU, where do they go now?

Ben McCollum? He has a working history with Wren Baker.

Jared [SP?] Calhoun? Former WVU assistant who has done a nice job at Utah State.

Ryan Odom? He’s been linked to the open UVA job. But is that a better job - not program - than WVU in today’s CBB landscape.


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I figure McCollum will go to Iowa since Devries didn't take it.

My money is on Niko Medved (Colorado State) or Jerrod Calhoun. Medved's wife is from Morgantown and Calhoun has a lot of local ties (coached at Fairmont and is from Ohio)

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[Revering4Blue]

I figure McCollum will go to Iowa since Devries didn't take it.

My money is on Niko Medved (Colorado State) or Jerrod Calhoun. Medved's wife is from Morgantown and Calhoun has a lot of local ties (coached at Fairmont and is from Ohio)

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I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re 100 per cent correct.

I didn’t know Medved’s wife is from Morgantown. Medved has been linked to the Minnesota job, as that is his Alma Mater. But the NIL at WVU is considerably higher than Minnesota and likely Iowa.

If anyone can possibly approximate the last sustained period of success at Iowa - the criminally underated Dr. Tom Davis era of 20 plus years ago - it’s McCollum, who would assuredly operate with a faster pace with access to more higher-rated talent than he had at Drake. He, IMO, is an X and Os Savant.

Still, I believe the ceiling is higher at WVU and UVA than at Iowa or Minnesota, which has almost no NIL.


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[Revering4Blue]

Man, this San Diego State team couldn’t score in Tijuana with pockets full of $$.

We can argue forever whether or not the Tar Heels deserve their NCAA bid. But they have a favorable draw and may be a tougher out than most seem to believe.


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[Slyder]

Man, this San Diego State team couldn’t score in Tijuana with pockets full of $$.

We can argue forever whether or not the Tar Heels deserve their NCAA bid. But they have a favorable draw and may be a tougher out than most seem to believe.


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Must be nice to have the guy who picked their opponents in their back pocket who collects for each W.

[Reds Freak]

Man, this San Diego State team couldn’t score in Tijuana with pockets full of $$.

We can argue forever whether or not the Tar Heels deserve their NCAA bid. But they have a favorable draw and may be a tougher out than most seem to believe.


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Beware the blue blood who is heavily doubted and scrutinized going into the tournament (see: Ohio State FB, 2025).

[Boston Red]

Does Will Wade even want his McNeese team to advance now? Doesn't that just make his job at NC State more difficult if he has to wait another week to get out on the recruiting/transfer portal trail?

[WVRed]

Does Will Wade even want his McNeese team to advance now? Doesn't that just make his job at NC State more difficult if he has to wait another week to get out on the recruiting/transfer portal trail?It's kinda crazy to think that a team in the tournament has a coach already committed to coach at another school next year.

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[RedTeamGo!]

Does Will Wade even want his McNeese team to advance now? Doesn't that just make his job at NC State more difficult if he has to wait another week to get out on the recruiting/transfer portal trail?

First of all, it’s doubtful they beat Clemson regardless, but if they do they would have to get through their round 2 opponent as well.

[Boston Red]

Maybe, but it's hardly unprecedented for a 12 seed to make the Sweet 16. Does he even want that?

[Assembly Hall]

It's kinda crazy to think that a team in the tournament has a coach already committed to coach at another school next year.

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Shades of Bill Frieder.

[westofyou]

It's kinda crazy to think that a team in the tournament has a coach already committed to coach at another school next year.

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Bo Schembechler would have fired him

[Boston Red]

Shades of Bill Frieder.

Frieder's long, illustrious career at Arizona State ended with a 130-107 record and 3 NCAA Tournament wins in 8 seasons. I'm sure missing out of the national title run at Michigan doesn't haunt him at all!

[Boston Red]

I have no idea how Xavier won that game tonight.

1 down, 13 to go for the SEC.

[Sea Ray]

I have no idea how Xavier won that game tonight.

1 down, 13 to go for the SEC.

Think it’s safe to say that the Rodney Terry era at Texas is done after tonight. Horrific coaching on his part. He was out coached in a huge way tonight just as he has on several other occasions.

Terrible execution down the stretch. No offensive scheme to me identified other than hero ball. Every Texas player was so focused on being “the guy”.

You’d think if you’re down 3 with 20 seconds left and your opponent misses a 3, you might want to display at least mild interest in grabbing the rebound

As for the SEC, even with all of that, they sure looked good for a league's 14th best team

[Revering4Blue]

Think it’s safe to say that the Rodney Terry era at Texas is done after tonight. Horrific coaching on his part. He was out coached in a huge way tonight just as he has on several other occasions.

Terrible execution down the stretch. No offensive scheme to me identified other than hero ball. Every Texas player was so focused on being “the guy”.

You’d think if you’re down 3 with 20 seconds left and your opponent misses a 3, you might want to display at least mild interest in grabbing the rebound

As for the SEC, even with all of that, they sure looked good for a league's 14th best team

And right on cue, it’s been reported that Terry will be hired. It’s totally nuts that a school with as many resources as Texas has only won 5 total NCAA tournament games since ‘08.

They had their home run hire with Beard, then we all know what happened- no real purpose to discuss that here. Were I Ben McCollum, I would so thanks but no thanks to Iowa - home state be darned - and head to Austin.


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[Revering4Blue]

I have no idea how Xavier won that game tonight.

1 down, 13 to go for the SEC.

Sea Ray answered your question. Great win for Xavier.


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[Sea Ray]

Sea Ray answered your question. Great win for Xavier.


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X shooting over 50% from 3 helps a great deal too. I doubt they'll own the crowd in Milwaukee vs Illinois

[Revering4Blue]

Frieder's long, illustrious career at Arizona State ended with a 130-107 record and 3 NCAA Tournament wins in 8 seasons. I'm sure missing out of the national title run at Michigan doesn't haunt him at all!

Given Frieder’s often loaded Michigan teams tended to crash and burn in the NCAA tournament, you have to wonder if that particular team would have done the same with Frieder at the helm.

Then again, he did coach the ‘84 team to the NIT Championship in a then - loaded NIT bracket the year before the NCAA tournament expanded to 64. That team with Roy Tarpley (R.I.P), Tim McCormick (The original T-Mac) and Eric Turner would have been a tough out were the NCAA field 64 then, IMO.


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[bucksfan2]

And right on cue, it’s been reported that Terry will be hired. It’s totally nuts that a school with as many resources as Texas has only won 5 total NCAA tournament games since ‘08.

They had their home run hire with Beard, then we all know what happened- no real purpose to discuss that here. Were I Ben McCollum, I would so thanks but no thanks to Iowa - home state be darned - and head to Austin.


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Texas as a whole has largely been disappointing. From 1970 until today they have had one National Title in Football. With all the resources and the talent rich state they are in, you would have expected more. Texas basketball is a lot like OSU basketball in that the resources are there, the ability to win titles are there, but it just doesn't happen. Although OSU has had quite a bit more success in basketball over the past 20 years or so than Texas has.

[Boston Red]

And we're off for real!!!!!

[Slyder]

I'm trying not to go down the Devries rabbit hole but you cant avoid it on the radio and if half of this is true I hope he flops as bad as Kenny Payne at Louisville. Sorry Hoosier fans.

[Boston Red]

Creighton is absolutely en fuego.

[westofyou]

Louisville must have slept in Lexington last night and got cursed

[Assembly Hall]

I'm trying not to go down the Devries rabbit hole but you cant avoid it on the radio and if half of this is true I hope he flops as bad as Kenny Payne at Louisville. Sorry Hoosier fans.

And here I thought you were a closet IU fan.

[Slyder]

And here I thought you were a closet IU fan.

Nope I try not to let the business get in the way of my enjoyment of sports. I respect Bob Knight and his "candid" demeanor. I loved Beilien and enjoyed watching him get to the title game at Michigan (and was actually hoping they'd win), he did it the right way and would have welcomed him back in an instant if things were to occur. If DeVries had just said "they threw stupid money at me after interviewing" or "I'm a midwestern boy" I could respect that and can wish him well. This team could have been a special story. He (rabbit hole) threw that away to get the Indiana job and knew he was one foot out the door after Bahamas and (rabbit hole) admitted in the introductory presser about longer term contact. Again I'm trying to avoid the rabbit holes but its like trying to avoid pot holes while driving... there's just too many.

[Boston Red]

I guess I can tear up my SIU-E national title betting slip.

[Boston Red]

First of all, it’s doubtful they beat Clemson

Less doubtful with a 31-13 halftime lead.

[RedTeamGo!]

Less doubtful with a 31-13 halftime lead.

Can’t believe they only ended up winning by 2

[RedTeamGo!]

Gonzaga making an incredible amazing unbeatable SEC team look like a mediocre MAC team. You hate to see it.

[Boston Red]

SEC 0-2 in Wichita. Drake with the win.

[Sea Ray]

Sea Ray is not having a good first day

Here’s my advice…Many of you may have already figured this out:

Do Not EVER listen to Seth Davis when making your picks


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[Sea Ray]

Gonzaga making an incredible amazing unbeatable SEC team look like a mediocre MAC team. You hate to see it.

You got your sports mixed up. Georgia is unbeatable in football. Basketball is an afterthought in Athens. Amazing they made the tournament


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[Reds Freak]

SEC 0-2 in Wichita. Drake with the win.

SEC is 4-3 through one day plus. Postseason results aren't the sole factor in conference strength obviously, but I wonder how many wins a top mid-major league would get if you give them 14 teams in the tournament and give them similar matchups.

Let's use the A-10, for example. Would they go at least 4-3 in these games?

VCU vs. Alabama State
Dayton vs. Wofford
Loyola Chicago vs. Yale
Saint Louis vs. Drake
George Washington vs. Kansas
St. Joe's vs. Gonzaga
Davidson vs. Xavier

[Boston Red]

Hmm, controversially, I don't think the A-10 is as strong and deep as the SEC.

But I DO think St. Joe's might have been able to score more than 3 of the first 30 points in a contest vs. Gonzaga.

[Reds Freak]

Hmm, controversially, I don't think the A-10 is as strong and deep as the SEC.

But I DO think St. Joe's might have been able to score more than 3 of the first 30 points in a contest vs. Gonzaga.

Certainly not arguing a top mid major league is as strong or deep as the SEC. Just that they'd likely have similar NCAA tournament records, especially in the first round. But I just don't think there's a ton of daylight between the top 8-10 conferences in college basketball especially since the top 3-4 leagues are filled with players who transferred from the top mid major leagues.

[Boston Red]

I think the A-10 would win exactly 2 of those games. I think it's very safe to say that the middle of the best power conferences is similar to the very top of the best mid-major leagues. But the quality of the mids tends to go down precipitously after the top few teams.

Looking at Drake's schedule just now, it's actually kind of crazy that they went 31-3....and lost 3 Missouri Valley games. Including one at home to Murray State. They very easily could be 34-0 right now.

[westofyou]

I've probably watched 75% of the UM games this season, last night was peak 2024 UM basketball. Streaky, sloppy, dominate and pathetic, all within one half. They are the turnover kings, really the most consistent part of their game, but yet the bigs really pull them through. Have to say that the NIL has made teams (UM is a good example) seem cobbled together more. Sometimes they seem as though they have not ever played together before. That's why many of the lower tier teams look cleaner in transitions and often they have better game cohesion, but less talent and talent tends to win. The days of a team having several years together in one system are long gone, but they did produce some great team basketball

[WVRed]

I've probably watched 75% of the UM games this season, last night was peak 2024 UM basketball. Streaky, sloppy, dominate and pathetic, all within one half. They are the turnover kings, really the most consistent part of their game, but yet the bigs really pull them through. Have to say that the NIL has made teams (UM is a good example) seem cobbled together more. Sometimes they seem as though they have not ever played together before. That's why many of the lower tier teams look cleaner in transitions and often they have better game cohesion, but less talent and talent tends to win. The days of a team having several years together in one system are long gone, but they did produce some great team basketballThis is essentially how I feel about Kentucky this year. Same thing.

With NIL and the transfer portal being what it is I wonder if the time is right for a low seeded team to eventually win the whole thing if it's someone who has played together 3-4 years with cohesion and continuity vs teams pieced together from the portal or that are one and done freshmen.

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[Reds Freak]

I've probably watched 75% of the UM games this season, last night was peak 2024 UM basketball. Streaky, sloppy, dominate and pathetic, all within one half. They are the turnover kings, really the most consistent part of their game, but yet the bigs really pull them through. Have to say that the NIL has made teams (UM is a good example) seem cobbled together more. Sometimes they seem as though they have not ever played together before. That's why many of the lower tier teams look cleaner in transitions and often they have better game cohesion, but less talent and talent tends to win. The days of a team having several years together in one system are long gone, but they did produce some great team basketball

That's where Drake's advantage comes from and also what makes them one of the most fun teams to watch. They are all former D2 players but they've played together for 3-4 years and for the same coach. Their talent level is nowhere near tournament level but their cohesion allowed them to win 30+ games this year and make the second round.

[Boston Red]

It's definitely significant, but it's just four guys who came from Northwest Missouri State with the coach. All starters. So significant, but they still did have to blend those four in with 4 other guys who played between 18-25 minutes each for Drake yesterday.

[Reds Freak]

It's definitely significant, but it's just four guys who came from Northwest Missouri State with the coach. All starters. So significant, but they still did have to blend those four in with 4 other guys who played between 18-25 minutes each for Drake yesterday.

Is there any other team in the tournament with four starters who've played together four years for the same coach? Marquette, maybe? I know they take pride on doing it from within without transfers.

[Reds Freak]

I think the A-10 would win exactly 2 of those games. I think it's very safe to say that the middle of the best power conferences is similar to the very top of the best mid-major leagues. But the quality of the mids tends to go down precipitously after the top few teams.

Looking at Drake's schedule just now, it's actually kind of crazy that they went 31-3....and lost 3 Missouri Valley games. Including one at home to Murray State. They very easily could be 34-0 right now.

In the meantime, let's get your Shockers back in a basketball-first league. I'm sure an expanded Big East is the ultimate landing spot but replacing UMass in the A-10 wouldn't be a bad fit. They'd make a nice midwest-ish foursome with Dayton, SLU, and Loyola. The American is a shell of its basketball self when Wichita decided to leave the Valley.

[Boston Red]

Stirtz is a junior, so it's three years those four guys at Drake have been together. All five of Marquette's starters have been at Marquette for at least three years. Four of the five have been there for four years. That IS pretty remarkable in this day and age.

[Revering4Blue]

You got your sports mixed up. Georgia is unbeatable in football. Basketball is an afterthought in Athens. Amazing they made the tournament


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Kinda crazy that Mike White had multiple stronger rostered teams than this Georgia team at Florida that failed to even qualify for the tournament.

Texas notwithstanding, the quality of coaching top to bottom in the SEC is as strong as any conference in any era that I can recall.


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[Boston Red]

In the meantime, let's get your Shockers back in a basketball-first league. I'm sure an expanded Big East is the ultimate landing spot but replacing UMass in the A-10 wouldn't be a bad fit. They'd make a nice midwest-ish foursome with Dayton, SLU, and Loyola. The American is a shell of its basketball self when Wichita decided to leave the Valley.

They should just go back to the Valley, honestly, but the A-10 wouldn't be a terrible spot for them. I'm sure they'd love to get into the Big East, but I don't see that happening in the near future. Who knows what things will look like in a decade, though.

On the A-10, that is a league that for some reason just could never quite live up to its potential post about 2000. You'd have some good teams, but some of those programs are a mess. If you could kick out Fordham, Duquesne and LaSalle, that would be a nice start to fixing that league. Then get GW and St. Joe's to somehow invest some money so that they get back to being solid programs, that would be nice, too. St. Joe's doesn't have to be as good as the Jameer Nelson/Delonte West days. They just need to be a consistent top 100 program again. Richmond not sliding into oblivion would also be nice.

VCU, Dayton, Davidson, GM, St. Bonny, URI, SLU and Loyola (to go along with the aforementioned SJU, GW and Richmond when they're right) really should be the base of a really good league. But somehow they're not. And it's been like that seemingly forever. I'm so glad Xavier got out, and I don't really have to live that frustration anymore.

[Sea Ray]

Hmm, controversially, I don't think the A-10 is as strong and deep as the SEC.

But I DO think St. Joe's might have been able to score more than 3 of the first 30 points in a contest vs. Gonzaga.

Is there anyone claiming Georgia is better than St Johns?


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[Boston Red]

Is there anyone claiming Georgia is better than St Johns?


Definitely not. Most would think them better than St. Joe's, though. Unless all you saw of Georgia was the first 8 minutes of yesterday's game.

[Boston Red]

Wanted to see old Wichita State assistant Chris Jans get the win today. Nice comeback, but tough loss.

Dook will absolutely trash Baylor.

[bucksfan2]

Is it too early to break out the SEC. SEC. SEC chant?

[Reds Freak]

They should just go back to the Valley, honestly, but the A-10 wouldn't be a terrible spot for them. I'm sure they'd love to get into the Big East, but I don't see that happening in the near future. Who knows what things will look like in a decade, though.

On the A-10, that is a league that for some reason just could never quite live up to its potential post about 2000. You'd have some good teams, but some of those programs are a mess. If you could kick out Fordham, Duquesne and LaSalle, that would be a nice start to fixing that league. Then get GW and St. Joe's to somehow invest some money so that they get back to being solid programs, that would be nice, too. St. Joe's doesn't have to be as good as the Jameer Nelson/Delonte West days. They just need to be a consistent top 100 program again. Richmond not sliding into oblivion would also be nice.

VCU, Dayton, Davidson, GM, St. Bonny, URI, SLU and Loyola (to go along with the aforementioned SJU, GW and Richmond when they're right) really should be the base of a really good league. But somehow they're not. And it's been like that seemingly forever. I'm so glad Xavier got out, and I don't really have to live that frustration anymore.

Good points on A-10. Seems like they can't get their programs going at the same time. As soon as 1-2 start putting it together, a different pair will slip into irrelevancy.

Still, Wichita would be better off in the A-10 IMO than the current version of the AAC. Especially if Memphis lands somewhere else.

[Boston Red]

Still, Wichita would be better off in the A-10 IMO than the current version of the AAC. Especially if Memphis lands somewhere else.

100%. The AAC is trash, but I think Wichita is holding on to stay connected to Memphis. It's got SOME geographic benefits for WSU (with Tulsa, Rice, UTSA and North Texas at least in nearby states) even though it's incredibly spread out. Wichita is nowhere near ANYONE in the A-10 at this point. So they might need a travel buddy in the region.

[RichRed]

Wanted to see old Wichita State assistant Chris Jans get the win today. Nice comeback, but tough loss.

Dook will absolutely trash Baylor.

I’m just glad I’ll get to hear the names VJ Edgecombe and Norchad Omier for one more round. Elite level names.

[RichRed]

Sadly, it’s looking like it’ll be one and done for Malcolm Dread and Mount St. Mary’s.

[Boston Red]

SMC/Vandy was a great one.

[dabvu2498]

SMC/Vandy was a great one.

If you like rock fights. Two bad shooting efforts.

Vandy gave an unexpected performance this year, having been picked to finish dead last in the conference, but there were a lot of games throughout the year like this… Build a nice lead, other teams make adjustments, and Vanderbilt couldn’t counter. They were fun to watch and had some really nice kids. But I sorta wish they had a player or two with a little mean streak.

[Boston Red]

I only saw the last 8 minutes or so. Lots of good shooting then.

[Sea Ray]

Is it too early to break out the SEC. SEC. SEC chant?

The SEC is doing fine. For the most part they’ve won the games they’re supposed to win. Texas was not favored to beat X. The only real upset was Drake vs Missouri


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[RedTeamGo!]

The SEC is doing fine. For the most part they’ve won the games they’re supposed to win. Texas was not favored to beat X. The only real upset was Drake vs Missouri


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I mean, it’s not just the L’s, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama all struggled to pull away against vastly inferior opponents.

- - - Updated - - -

Meanwhile the B1G is about to be 5-0 going into the night cap. You can’t tell me you aren’t surprised by this.

[Boston Red]

Ole Miss and Arkansas were underdogs, so those were nice wins.

But definitely a shaky SEC start. Sure beats the ACC's "run", though.

[dabvu2498]

I’m not surprised the Big 10 is 5-0. Every one of their opponents was a double digit seed.

And as someone who watches a lot of SEC games, I’m certainly not surprised VU, Miss St, UGa, or Texas lost. Mizzou? A little, but as has been stated, Drake is 31-3 for a reason.

[Sea Ray]

I mean, it’s not just the L’s, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama all struggled to pull away against vastly inferior opponents.

- - - Updated - - -

Meanwhile the B1G is about to be 5-0 going into the night cap. You can’t tell me you aren’t surprised by this.

I honestly hadn't noticed the Big Ten's record. That's a good start for them

[Sea Ray]

Ole Miss and Arkansas were underdogs, so those were nice wins.

But definitely a shaky SEC start. Sure beats the ACC's "run", though.

Definitely? No I disagree that it's a shaky start. It's pretty much as expected. I haven't checked all the odds but were there more than 2 favored SEC teams that lost? If not then I'd say the SEC held serve

[UKFlounder]

Sec will, by definition of the format, have 13 or 14 losses, another record, so anyone looking for SEC losses will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy those.

They also have 8 teams in the 2nd round, with Oklahoma still playing.

[KronoRed]

Kinda crazy that Mike White had multiple stronger rostered teams than this Georgia team at Florida that failed to even qualify for the tournament.



Only White's last year at Florida did he have a really talented team that didn't make it in, his trouble was making it out of the first weekend, and his love for boring, slow it down, defensive obsessed basketball.

[Revering4Blue]

Only White's last year at Florida did he have a really talented team that didn't make it in, his trouble was making it out of the first weekend, and his love for boring, slow it down, defensive obsessed basketball.

Points taken. And I agree with the criticisms about his style. However, his first Florida NIT team had multiple top 100 HS players - more than Georgia this season, although GA had the 11th ranked player. Hence, multiple Florida teams not qualifying for the big dance. But we’re splitting hairs at this point.


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[Boston Red]

Sec will, by definition of the format, have 13 or 14 losses, another record, so anyone looking for SEC losses will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy those.

They also have 8 teams in the 2nd round, with Oklahoma still playing.

8-6 isn't real good when 6 of the wins are against 13, 14, 15 and 16 seeds. 2-6 in real games.

The next round will be more telling.

[goreds2]

Saturday, March 22 (Second Round/Round of 32)

(4) Purdue vs. (12) McNeese, 12:10 p.m. | CBS

(2) St. John's vs. (10) Arkansas, 2:40 p.m. | CBS

(4) Texas A&M vs. (5) Michigan, 5:15 p.m. | CBS

(3) Texas Tech vs. (11) Drake, 6:10 p.m. | TNT

(1) Auburn vs. (9) Creighton, 7:10 p.m. | TBS

(3) Wisconsin vs. (6) BYU, 7:45 p.m. | CBS

(1) Houston vs. (8) Gonzaga, 8:40 p.m. | TNT

(2) Tennessee vs. (7) UCLA, 9:40 p.m. | TBS

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-21/2025-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates

[Sea Ray]

8-6 isn't real good when 6 of the wins are against 13, 14, 15 and 16 seeds. 2-6 in real games.

The next round will be more telling.

Those 6 wins were against lower seeded teams for a reason. They earned that

UNC was a slight favorite over Ole Miss. That qualifies as a mild upset. Drake beating Missouri was absolutely an upset. UConn was a comfortable favorite over OK. I fail to see the point that the SEC is underperforming to this point. What I do see are folks itching to criticize the SEC, to the point where they're saying the SEC is underperforming even when they win. That is just flat out pathetic. I'm not here to say Mich St underperformed last night and that's a shot against the Big Ten. Hell, it's the tournament. You survive and advance

I do agree with you that the next round will be more telling. I just don't look at this tournament like you and a few others do. I cheer for my bracket, not a conference. I'm glad Big Ten teams like Illinois and Mich St prevailed last night and Mich the day before. It had nothing to do with conferences. It had to do with my bracket

[Boston Red]

We're just discussing the Tournament big dog. Personally, I can walk and chew gum. I'm most concerned about teams I have a rooting interest in, certainly I care about money pool brackets, and I can also think about and discuss other themes from the Tournament. I'm happy to give SEC credit when it's due. I pointed out the Arkansas and Ole Miss upsets right above. I noted that this round is the one that will really tell you something.


But it's just a fact that the SEC went 2-6 in the potentially competitive games over the first two days.

They're all real games from here on out.

[RedTeamGo!]

B1G 8-0 is just crazy to me as a person following Big Ten basketball my whole life. There is always a Purdue or Iowa blowing it in first game. I am legit shocked.

[Sea Ray]

We're just discussing the Tournament big dog. Personally, I can walk and chew gum. I'm most concerned about teams I have a rooting interest in, certainly I care about money pool brackets, and I can also think about and discuss other themes from the Tournament. I'm happy to give SEC credit when it's due. I pointed out the Arkansas and Ole Miss upsets right above. I noted that this round is the one that will really tell you something.


But it's just a fact that the SEC went 2-6 in the potentially competitive games over the first two days.

They're all real games from here on out.

Getting 14 teams in is historic in itself and that won't change. The tournament itself is a crapshoot and anything can happen on a given day. That's what makes it so fun. Hope that never changes. The women's tournament is not such a crapshoot, so not all tournaments are. Their tournament is much more predictable

Since when do we keep track of a conference's record in "potentially competitive games"? I didn't know that was a thing. What's other conference's record in potentially competitive games? Is there a website that keeps track of such a stat? No, you're only bringing this up because of the SEC. In all my years of following this tournament, I never recall a conversation where one talked about a conference's record in potentially competitive games. I don't even know the definition

Let's start with the notion that it's amazing to get 14 teams in the field of 68. It stands to reason that those teams that finished lower in the SEC standings are not as good as the higher ranked teams

So looking at that, the 14, 13, 12, 11, 10 and 7th SEC teams lost in the first rd. What's so surprising about that? Not to pick on the Big Ten but most RZers know that conference well, so let's look at their 10-14 teams and where they are today. They are Ohio State, Rutgers, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. I know you like the Big East. Granted they're not as big but their 11--->8 teams are Seton Hall, DePaul, Providence and Butler. Yet here you are talking about the SEC's 14th team losing a close one to the Big East's #5 team in a game played 50 miles from the home court of that Big East team. I give Xavier credit. They were better coached, they came back and used the home crowd to their advantage and I'm happy for them. I have little allegiance to Texas. But Texas could only muster 6 wins vs SEC teams all year. Xavier managing to pull off such a win vs them was hardly novel. XU was favored to win and they held serve on their "home court"

[Sea Ray]

B1G 8-0 is just crazy to me as a person following Big Ten basketball my whole life. There is always a Purdue or Iowa blowing it in first game. I am legit shocked.

Outstanding start for the Big Ten. I picked 6 of those games. I missed Purdue (thanks Seth Davis) and Utah St. However to be fair, the Big Ten was the higher seeded school in all of those 8 games. Every one of them

[Boston Red]

You seem a bit sensitive SR. The SEC getting 14 teams in was certainly historic AND controversial. Of course people are going to discuss how they do. That's going to be the ultimate judge of the SEC. So far...so so. As I said, we'll find out a lot more these next two days.

[Sea Ray]

You seem a bit sensitive SR. The SEC getting 14 teams in was certainly historic AND controversial. Of course people are going to discuss how they do. That's going to be the ultimate judge of the SEC. So far...so so. As I said, we'll find out a lot more these next two days.

The last few bids are always controversial. That's the nature of the beast. You're going overboard in your focus on the conference. It's not news that Xavier beat Texas. It was very near what the point spread said it would be. Instead of So, so I'd say the conference is doing fine. Two SEC teams upset their favored opponent and one (Missouri) was upset. The fact that you're calling that a so so result shows your imbalance.

[RedTeamGo!]

Idk, I just can’t get on board with saying they are fine so far, everyone was hyping the SEC up and saying it was the best conference in the history of college ball. I would say so far it hasn’t been a disaster for the SEC, but by the end of the day tomorrow it could be. I agree with Boston, we are going to know a lot more after the round of 32. If the SEC goes off today and tomorrow it could also turn into a huge success. Lots of ball to be played.

B1G now 9-0

[Boston Red]

Calipari is Pitino's kryptonite.

[WVRed]

Calipari is Pitino's kryptonite.If Calipari makes it further than Kentucky in this tournament I am going to be sick.

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[Assembly Hall]

B1G 8-0 is just crazy to me as a person following Big Ten basketball my whole life. There is always a Purdue or Iowa blowing it in first game. I am legit shocked.

Boiler Up!

- - - Updated - - -


Calipari is Pitino's kryptonite.

The crew(Danettes) from the Dan Patrick Show are crying in their beer right now.

[Sea Ray]

Tennessee is movin’ on to the Sweet 16!


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[goreds2]

Sunday, March 23 (Second Round/Round of 32)

(1) Florida vs. (8) UConn, 12:10 p.m. | CBS

(1) Duke vs. (9) Baylor, 2:40 p.m. | CBS

(3) Kentucky vs. (6) Illinois, 5:15 p.m. | CBS

(2) Alabama vs. (7) Saint Mary's, 6:10 p.m. | TNT

(4) Maryland vs. (12) Colorado State, 7:10 p.m. | TBS

(3) Iowa State vs. (6) Ole Miss, 7:45 p.m. | truTV

(2) Michigan State vs. (10) New Mexico, 8:40 p.m. | TNT

(4) Arizona vs. (5) Oregon, 9:40 p.m. | TBS

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-22/2025-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates

[jrdunnit]

If Calipari makes it further than Kentucky in this tournament I am going to be sick.

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Highly possible. I had Him losing first round and Ky winning two games before bowing out. Now he has won two and I am not too confident KY will get the second one today. :help:

[RedTeamGo!]

I’ll be at Bama/St Mary’s and MSU/NM tonight

[westofyou]

The crew(Danettes) from the Dan Patrick Show are crying in their beer right now.


I stopped listening to his show quite awhile ago because of the "Danettes" just a boring amalgamation of bro stupidity

[Chip R]

It appears Iowa is finalizing a deal to make Ben McCollum their new head coach.

https://247sports.com/college/iowa/article/ben-mccollum-iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-next-head-coach-beth-goetz-fran-mccaffery-247209141/

[Boston Red]

I’ll be at Bama/St Mary’s and MSU/NM tonight

Good times. We went to Drake/TT and Gonzaga/Houston yesterday.

[Assembly Hall]

I stopped listening to his show quite awhile ago because of the "Danettes" just a boring amalgamation of bro stupidity

C'mon man. Dan is a Reds fan. lol

[westofyou]

C'mon man. Dan is a Reds fan. lol

Dan is not the problem, but they do talk too much about NFL for my taste

[westofyou]

It appears Iowa is finalizing a deal to make Ben McCollum their new head coach.

https://247sports.com/college/iowa/article/ben-mccollum-iowa-hawkeyes-basketball-next-head-coach-beth-goetz-fran-mccaffery-247209141/

We signed up in Oskaloosa, my brother Paul and me
To fight with Ben McCollum and the Iowa basketball team
Well the recruiter said we'd get a uniform then came that tasty NIL talk
The best court time in the county and a head shot with Herky the Hawk

[WVRed]

Texas fired Rodney Terry.

Surely Sean Miller wouldn't leave Xavier a second time, right?

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[Boston Red]

UConn has decided to be a tough out.

[Boston Red]

And we'll finally have a new champion.

[Reds Freak]

These game times don't make sense today. A bunch of game times bunched up tonight but now we have a 40 minute break until the next one.

[Sea Ray]

UConn has decided to be a tough out.

I sweated this one out. If U Conn had prevailed, I'd (my brackets) have been dead in the water

[KronoRed]

Hurley really does think he invented the game of basketball.

[WVRed]

Hurley really does think he invented the game of basketball.I posted this in the UK thread but he reminds me of Billy Donovan only more arrogant.

Caught lightning in a bottle like Donovan did 20 years ago and probably won't come close to reaching it again. I'd say people probably said the same about Coach K back in the 90s before he won his third championship.

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[WVRed]

Highly possible. I had Him losing first round and Ky winning two games before bowing out. Now he has won two and I am not too confident KY will get the second one today. :help:Saw something that made sense:

Cal is at his best when he is motivated. The lifetime contract he got pretty much destroyed any motivation he had while here.

I've said before but had Cal ran it back here minus Aidoo and Johnell Davis it wouldn't have been a Sweet 16 run.

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[WVRed]

I guess it's official, Sean Miller to Texas.

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[RedTeamGo!]

I posted this in the UK thread but he reminds me of Billy Donovan only more arrogant.

Caught lightning in a bottle like Donovan did 20 years ago and probably won't come close to reaching it again. I'd say people probably said the same about Coach K back in the 90s before he won his third championship.

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I loathe Hurley, but this is premature. Just won back to back titles and took perhaps the best team in the country down to the wire as an 8 seed.

[dabvu2498]

Really only one thing for Xavier to do to completely the Circle of Life… Bring back Chris Mack.

[dabvu2498]

I loathe Hurley, but this is premature. Just won back to back titles and took perhaps the best team in the country down to the wire as an 8 seed.

Also short-selling Billy Donovan’s 502 career wins and .709 winning percentage.

[Roy Tucker]

I guess it's official, Sean Miller to Texas.

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I wondered why he was so calm i interviews after X’s loss yesterday.

[WVRed]

Also short-selling Billy Donovan’s 502 career wins and .709 winning percentage.I never said Hurley was a bad coach. Just said he caught lightning in a bottle with the team that went back to back. He never won a championship after that although he did make it to the final four and probably would have won if not for a UConn team that caught fire at the right time.

Also would have had another final four but Pitino had his number.

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[Boston Red]

The SEC absolutely murdered in the second round. No doubt about that.

[RedTeamGo!]

The SEC absolutely murdered in the second round. No doubt about that.

Yep, for sure. As I said, I think Saturday morning, first round was fine, certainly not great, and the rest of the weekend would be either a great result or disaster. Looks like it will be very good. If Oregon and Sparty hold on this is the best I’ve seen the B1G in a very long time.

[Sea Ray]

The SEC absolutely murdered in the second round. No doubt about that.

SEC is great this year in basketball. New tournament record 7 teams. 5 of those teams were seeded to get there. Two were not. Of the 14 teams in, only 2 underachieved

Again the 14th team was Texas. Xavier saw how tough they were. Imagine 13 teams in your conference tougher than them. That’s the bloodbath that the SEC schedule was this year. There were no DePauls, Penn States or Seton Halls

The Big Ten has definitely improved the most since December. Their style of play works well in the tournament

We all agreed that the second round would be more telling than the first and the SEC exceeded expectations. Amazing


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[Sea Ray]

Is it too early to break out the SEC. SEC. SEC chant?

Now would be a good time. Go for it


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[Sea Ray]

Idk, I just can’t get on board with saying they are fine so far, everyone was hyping the SEC up and saying it was the best conference in the history of college ball. I would say so far it hasn’t been a disaster for the SEC, but by the end of the day tomorrow it could be. I agree with Boston, we are going to know a lot more after the round of 32. If the SEC goes off today and tomorrow it could also turn into a huge success. Lots of ball to be played.

B1G now 9-0

You clearly said that they were NOT fine on Saturday morning


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[Sea Ray]

Yep, for sure. As I said, I think Saturday morning, first round was fine, certainly not great, and the rest of the weekend would be either a great result or disaster. Looks like it will be very good. If Oregon and Sparty hold on this is the best I’ve seen the B1G in a very long time.

Why are you stating here that you said on Saturday morning that they were fine when you clearly said the opposite?


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[Sea Ray]

Exciting win for Maryland over CSU but didn’t that guy travel like crazy on that game winning shot?


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[Chip R]

We signed up in Oskaloosa, my brother Paul and me
To fight with Ben McCollum and the Iowa basketball team
Well the recruiter said we'd get a uniform then came that tasty NIL talk
The best court time in the county and a head shot with Herky the Hawk

Funny thing about that is Oskaloosa is about 10 miles from where I grew up.
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxuSYpvEp13TIYZ8Plo8qZHV9m5nwEU6Sk?si=XX15bL_oxm o80o5W

[Rojo Rijo]

Exciting win for Maryland over CSU but didn’t that guy travel like crazy on that game winning shot?


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I thought he was fine until I read that he picked up his gather step foot (right) and re stepped on it so now I’m just confused

[RedTeamGo!]

He may have travelled, but I consider that karma for the refs just letting CSU's best player get away with deliberately elbowing a Maryland player in the temple.

[bucksfan2]

He may have travelled, but I consider that karma for the refs just letting CSU's best player get away with deliberately elbowing a Maryland player in the temple.

I mean he took three clear steps once he picked up the ball. It used to be in college ball they would call travels that no one in the NBA would.

Do we really want a game where you have the gather step, euro step, then two steps and it not being a travel?

[RedTeamGo!]

I mean he took three clear steps once he picked up the ball. It used to be in college ball they would call travels that no one in the NBA would.

Do we really want a game where you have the gather step, euro step, then two steps and it not being a travel?

I think they missed it, I don't think they deliberately let it go

FWIW Gene Staritore during the Oregon/Zona game said it was not a travel.

[bucksfan2]

I think they missed it, I don't think they deliberately let it go

FWIW Gene Staritore during the Oregon/Zona game said it was not a travel.

I heard what Gene said, and it didn't seem forceful to me.

It was a cool play, probably the highlight of the tournament so far. And I don't really expect those calls to be made at the time. I could be wrong, but don't see many if any travelling calls when someone is going the basket. Its normally on a shuffling of the feet or on a play where there is contact.

But watching it live, I even said to myself, man thats a lot of steps taken before the ball was released.

[Chip R]

Was it a travel? I believe so. However, they are not going to make that call in the last seconds of a game. Just like if there was a foul with little to no time remaining on the clock. The only way that's called is if it's blatant.

[RiverRat13]

Lots of chalk means we should have some great games this week. The only double digit seed was preseason #16 and just by the look test is obviously more talented than their seed.

[WVRed]

Lots of chalk means we should have some great games this week. The only double digit seed was preseason #16 and just by the look test is obviously more talented than their seed.The talent was always there, just took forever to put it all together.

The difference is Cal is actually motivated again. He wasn't at Kentucky once Barnhart gifted him a lifetime contract. It all worked out in the end though.

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[Rojo Rijo]

I thought he was fine until I read that he picked up his gather step foot (right) and re stepped on it so now I’m just confused

Is there a gather step in college? If not then it was 100% a travel, 3 steps - right, left, right

[Sea Ray]

Is there a gather step in college? If not then it was 100% a travel, 3 steps - right, left, right

It's my understanding that college does not allow for a gather step but the NBA does

[Assembly Hall]

Dan is not the problem, but they do talk too much about NFL for my taste

Hell dang near every national sports show talks too much NFL.

[Boston Red]

Hell dang near every national sports show talks too much NFL.

It's awful.

[Assembly Hall]

Dang. I picked Houston to win it all. They got to get past Purdue and then the Vols/'Cats. In Indy! Of course that is a short drive for the Boiler fans. It is also easy driving distance for UT and UK fans. Cougar fans kinda got screwed on that one.

[WVRed]

Dang. I picked Houston to win it all. They got to get past Purdue and then the Vols/'Cats. In Indy! Of course that is a short drive for the Boiler fans. It is also easy driving distance for UT and UK fans. Cougar fans kinda got screwed on that one.Kinda hate that Kentucky and Tennessee is a Sweet 16 matchup. They could have easily put St John's as the 2 or Michigan St and Texas Tech, Wisconsin, or Iowa St as the 3 with Tennessee.

Not very crazy about the tournament so far though. Cinderella is essentially dead with NIL now. It's going to be a lot harder for those schools now to take out the blue bloods moving forward especially with players at lower level schools moving up to cash in and who can blame them?

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[Chip R]

Is Bob Huggins a candidate for the McNeese State job?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/mcneese-state-considering-hiring-controversial-former-west-virginia-head-coach/ar-AA1BzX0e?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=976bbd972a9e474bbc5dc7a32bf6b770&ei=25

[WVRed]

Is Bob Huggins a candidate for the McNeese State job?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/mcneese-state-considering-hiring-controversial-former-west-virginia-head-coach/ar-AA1BzX0e?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=976bbd972a9e474bbc5dc7a32bf6b770&ei=25They hired an assistant from Baylor.

Given crickets from Wren Baker lately, probably wouldn't hurt at this point if WVU put out a feeler. Calhoun is staying at Utah State as well.

I kinda wonder if the governor threatening litigation and fan apathy in the state right now overall is turning off prospective coaches. WVU is a dumpster fire right now and I don't know who could fix it.

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[Slyder]

They hired an assistant from Baylor.

Given crickets from Wren Baker lately, probably wouldn't hurt at this point if WVU put out a feeler. Calhoun is staying at Utah State as well.

I kinda wonder if the governor threatening litigation and fan apathy in the state right now overall is turning off prospective coaches. WVU is a dumpster fire right now and I don't know who could fix it.

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A lot of runors that North Texas HC Ross Hodge is on Wren's short list. I think Wren's trying to do it the right way and not disrupt guys still coaching. Calhoun (former Huggs assistant) could have been just been a ploy to get Utah State to throw some more money at him and he getting the major university interview experience for a couple years from now if he keeps rocking at Utah St.

[UKFlounder]

Richard Pitino to be Xavier’s new coach

[Sea Ray]

Richard Pitino to be Xavier’s new coach

Interesting. He was a dark horse. What happened with Chris Mack? Who turned who down?


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[KronoRed]

Weird hire, little Rick is a definite job hopper.

[Chip R]

Weird hire, little Rick is a definite job hopper.

I give him 4 years, tops.

[Boston Red]

I give him 4 years, tops.

It he's leaving because he's been so successful, that's really all you can ask for anymore.

[RedTeamGo!]

Weird hire, little Rick is a definite job hopper.

In this day and age coaching at a non-Power 4 school is not a long term plan. If you have a good team you are going to lose all of your players to the transfer portal and you are back to square 1 in a landscape where it is very difficult to find talent for a mid major program. All mid-major jobs are there to be stepping stones now. If you have a good season you absolutely need to jump to a bigger job immediately because the opportunity might not be there the next year.

Also, with Richard Pitino he didn't jump from Minnesota, he was fired.

[bucksfan2]

Lil Ricky for X is an interesting hire. Always thought he got the Minnesota job because of his name and not resume. He has never done anything in his coach career that was above expectations. Two tournament trips in 7 years at Minnesota is pretty vanilla, which is why he got fired. New Mexico is a Mid-Major job where I think you can win at, so his success is kinda par for the course. I think they probably could have done better for the program Xavier should be, but maybe they think they can catch lightening in a bottle.

[Boston Red]

Mid-major has lost all meaning if we're calling the MWC mid-major. They put 4 teams in the NCAA Tournament this year and are almost always a multi-bid league. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine grouping the MWC with the MAC and Sun Belt as if they're the same.

[WVRed]

Looks like North Texas's Ross Hodge is going to WVU.

Was an assistant to McCasland and worked for Wren Baker. Will probably stay until the next job opens.

[Chip R]

Former Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey is now the new head coach at Penn. Good move for Fran. He's from Philly and played and was an assistant there. We'll always have the Francon Alert System though.

[RedTeamGo!]

Mid-major has lost all meaning if we're calling the MWC mid-major. They put 4 teams in the NCAA Tournament this year and are almost always a multi-bid league. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine grouping the MWC with the MAC and Sun Belt as if they're the same.

This will be the last year MWC gets 4 teams in probably ever, though.

The days of SDSU developing teams and showing up with a team full of seniors are over.

The moment these MWC teams got knocked out of tourney all of their best underclassmen ran to the portal.

Also, I am pretty sure the best MWC teams are leaving for the pac10.

That conference is toast.

[Assembly Hall]

This will be the last year MWC gets 4 teams in probably ever, though.

The days of SDSU developing teams and showing up with a team full of seniors are over.

The moment these MWC teams got knocked out of tourney all of their best underclassmen ran to the portal.

Also, I am pretty sure the best MWC teams are leaving for the pac10.

That conference is toast.

On September 12, 2024, the conference announced it would be adding four new members, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State, on July 1, 2026.

[Slyder]

Looks like North Texas's Ross Hodge is going to WVU.

Was an assistant to McCasland and worked for Wren Baker. Will probably stay until the next job opens.

Hansberry and Harris have both jumped into the portal as well. I hope they can keep Frazier on the staff and rebuild the great recruiting class and bring both of them back. If Hansberry and Harris both go elsewhere I appreciate them waiting until they saw who the next coach was and measure their options rather than just peaceing out.

[Assembly Hall]

My Hoosiers are down to 2 players left. Carlyle and Tucker. Goode is trying to get another year(I don't think he will). Sisley is on his way to Btown.

[dubc47834]

My Hoosiers are down to 2 players left. Carlyle and Tucker. Goode is trying to get another year(I don't think he will). Sisley is on his way to Btown.

Didn't Carlyle just leave today also

[Assembly Hall]

Didn't Carlyle just leave today also

Yep.

[bucksfan2]

Is Gabe Cupps any good? Didn't seem to log many minutes but was a fairly highly rated recruit.

[RedTeamGo!]

Is Gabe Cupps any good? Didn't seem to log many minutes but was a fairly highly rated recruit.

He stinks

- - - Updated - - -

This Maryland coach thing going on is everything wrong with college sports right now in a nutshell.

[Assembly Hall]

Is Gabe Cupps any good? Didn't seem to log many minutes but was a fairly highly rated recruit.

Don't know how to answer that one. Woodson was his coach.

[Boston Red]

This Maryland coach thing going on is everything wrong with college sports right now in a nutshell.

Another guy who probably wanted to lose in the first weekend.

[Revering4Blue]

Lil Ricky for X is an interesting hire. Always thought he got the Minnesota job because of his name and not resume. He has never done anything in his coach career that was above expectations. Two tournament trips in 7 years at Minnesota is pretty vanilla, which is why he got fired. New Mexico is a Mid-Major job where I think you can win at, so his success is kinda par for the course. I think they probably could have done better for the program Xavier should be, but maybe they think they can catch lightening in a bottle.

He may or may not work out at Xavier, but I wouldn’t base any projection around his tenure at Minnesota. Nobody has won rather consistently there in almost 30 years. And even then, a little cheating got in the way - but nothing anymore egregious than what the usual suspect schools got away with for years. Minnesota will definitely need to up their NIL game.

Lastly, before Li’l Ricky, Steve Alford was the last coach to win consistently at New Mexico, and that tenure ended 13 years ago.


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[Assembly Hall]

He may or may not work out at Xavier, but I wouldn’t base any projection around his tenure at Minnesota. Nobody has won rather consistently there in almost 30 years. And even then, a little cheating got in the way - but nothing anymore egregious than what the usual suspect schools got away with for years. Minnesota will definitely need to up their NIL game.

Lastly, before Li’l Ricky, Steve Alford was the last coach to win consistently at New Mexico, and that tenure ended 13 years ago.


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I would add that the guy that got Gonzaga rolling couldn't win at Minny either...

[Boston Red]

I would add that the guy that got Gonzaga rolling couldn't win at Minny either...

In hindsight, feels like that guy's assistant probably had a lot more to do with getting Gonzaga rolling than he did!

[Revering4Blue]

In hindsight, feels like that guy's assistant probably had a lot more to do with getting Gonzaga rolling than he did!

Yup. Different sport, but that’s also analogous to Dan Hawkins/Chris Peterson at Boise State.


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[Boston Red]

This Sears kid gor Alabama is insane hot.

[WVRed]

He stinks

- - - Updated - - -

This Maryland coach thing going on is everything wrong with college sports right now in a nutshell.For those who aren't following it, Kevin Willard is in a pissing match with Maryland trying to get more NIL money that they aren't going to commit and it is likely looking like he will bolt for Villanova (the only school with an opening) after they are eliminated tonight by Florida.

The main reason is there isn't a football program to compete with for NIL funding with Villanova.

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[WVRed]

This Sears kid gor Alabama is insane hot.Crazy to think he started his career in Athens.

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[Revering4Blue]

For those who aren't following it, Kevin Willard is in a pissing match with Maryland trying to get more NIL money that they aren't going to commit and it is likely looking like he will bolt for Villanova (the only school with an opening) after they are eliminated tonight by Florida.

The main reason is there isn't a football program to compete with for NIL funding with Villanova.

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Absolutely no excuse for the Maryland Brass not to do so. They should easily be able to out-NIL Villanova, even with no Football team to compete for NIL money at the later. The Maryland AD has departed for SMU, that may have factored into the equation for Willard.


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[Revering4Blue]

Finally, a close game tonight. Arkansas and Texas Tech are headed to overtime.


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[Boston Red]

Great comeback by Tech.

[Assembly Hall]

Absolutely no excuse for the Maryland Brass not to do so. They should easily be able to out-NIL Villanova, even with no Football team to compete for NIL money at the later. The Maryland AD has departed for SMU, that may have factored into the equation for Willard.


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I guess Maryland doesn't want to be elite?

[WVRed]

Great comeback by Tech.John Calipari in a nutshell.

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[dubc47834]

Is Gabe Cupps any good? Didn't seem to log many minutes but was a fairly highly rated recruit.

Too small for the B10. If he puts on a little size, he could be a really good college defender. He was supposed to be a solid shooter as well, but that never really developed. He got a lot of playing time as a freshman, last year was a different story. Which is why he probably left.

[bucksfan2]

For those who aren't following it, Kevin Willard is in a pissing match with Maryland trying to get more NIL money that they aren't going to commit and it is likely looking like he will bolt for Villanova (the only school with an opening) after they are eliminated tonight by Florida.

The main reason is there isn't a football program to compete with for NIL funding with Villanova.

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I saw something that the schools are getting $21M to use towards their athletes. Most are dedicating at least $14M to football. The rest is divided up among all other sports.

Maryland is in a tough spot because their football program is pretty meh, and they are a basketball first school. However, the football team is the reason the AD is flush with cash. You would hope they could raise more NIL funds outside of the school, but it doesn't appear that way.

[WVRed]

I saw something that the schools are getting $21M to use towards their athletes. Most are dedicating at least $14M to football. The rest is divided up among all other sports.

Maryland is in a tough spot because their football program is pretty meh, and they are a basketball first school. However, the football team is the reason the AD is flush with cash. You would hope they could raise more NIL funds outside of the school, but it doesn't appear that way.And Willard pretty much brought that up and has burned the bridge with the football program because of it.

Kinda reminds me of Calipari and Mark Stoops getting into it when Cal called Kentucky a "basketball school" when trying to solicit improvements to UKs basketball facilities.

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[Boston Red]

Calipari should be ashamed of losing 14 games with the absurd group of talent on that Arkansas team.

[Revering4Blue]

Calipari should be ashamed of losing 14 games with the absurd group of talent on that Arkansas team.

But would they have lost 14 games if Fland and Thiero hadn’t missed a ton of games?


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[WVRed]

But would they have lost 14 games if Fland and Thiero hadn’t missed a ton of games?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkProbably would have lost 10.

I didn't watch the game last night but I'd imagine he probably started playing not to lose and it bit him in the arse. Did it in 2012 against Kansas and almost lost the championship and it did bite him in 2015.

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[WVRed]

In moves that make even less sense, Buzz Williams is supposedly interested in Maryland if Willard leaves.




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[UKFlounder]

But would they have lost 14 games if Fland and Thiero hadn’t missed a ton of games?


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I believe they started playing better when Fland went out.

[WVRed]

Kentucky looks lost. Was expecting them to cover and at this point it's teetering on a blowout.

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[Boston Red]

Higher seed 6-0 in the Sweet Sixteen so far.

[Sea Ray]

It’s great to be …a Tennessee Vol


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[Sea Ray]

SEC is studly in basketball


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[WVRed]

It’s great to be …a Tennessee Vol


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkEnjoy. Tennessee wanted it more.

Indianapolis has not been kind to Kentucky.

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[RedTeamGo!]

SEC is studly in basketball


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Looks like Auburn is having trouble with Michigan, which is annoying to me personally because I have Auburn winning it all.

[Boston Red]

Houston/Purdue is about as exciting as that UNC/Dook women's game earlier today (final of that was 47-38).

[RedTeamGo!]

It was like a switch was flipped for Auburn with about 10 minutes left. Wow.

When they are on I don’t think anyone can beat them. They stuffed Michigan into a locker the last 10 mins.

[Slyder]

Looks like
4 SEC
2 Big 12
1 ACC
1 B1G

Solid showing from the 12 IMO.

[Sea Ray]

Looks like
4 SEC
2 Big 12
1 ACC
1 B1G

Solid showing from the 12 IMO.

About where they should be. Their 1 and 3 seed are still in


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[goreds2]

Saturday, March 29 (Elite Eight)

(1) Florida vs. (3) Texas Tech | 6:09 p.m. | TBS/truTV

(1) Duke vs. (2) Alabama | 8:49 p.m. | TBS/truTV

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2025-03-29/2025-march-madness-mens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates

[Boston Red]

Same for SEC with 1s and 2s alive. Texas Tech is actually the Cinderella of the Tournament at this point as the 3 seed. St. John's is the only 1 or 2 seed out.