I haven't been this shocked since it was revealed Howard K. Stern wasn't little Danielyn's father. Boy did that one throw me on my ass. Anyway, as you may or may not have heard, Brandon Roy was named Rookie of the Year, which we pretty much knew was going to happen ever since draft night when he entered the league as the most NBA-ready prospect. Remember all those "Draft the Stache" supporters who wanted Adam Morrison in a Blazer uniform? Remember all those who criticized KP for taking on Raef's contract in order to move up to take Roy, and then paying the T-Wolves a couple million to swap picks to ensure Roy would be in the Pacific Northwest? Remember? Well, they were wrong. It would have been unanimous too if not for some homer from Toronto voting for Bargnani. Oh well. We'll take it.
By the way, Jason Quick AKA the Association's best beat writer did a great breakdown of Roy's late game heroics. Check it out here.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
So, when's the NFL Draft?
If you've been paying attention to the latest sports news (or have a pulse) then you know that the world's biggest meat market is coming to town. That's right, the over-analyzing is complete and we will finally get to hear guys in suits call out names for two days straight. Thrilling. It reminds me of watching the Weather Channel, except instead of weather forecasts, we're getting predictions as to who is going where and what they will be doing once they get there. Just.....FREAKING EXCITING! (with a hint of sarcasm)
When did the NFL Draft become the biggest thing since hot dog stands? It's long and it's boring. Why not just wait a day and read the entire list of picks in the newspaper instead of wasting an entire day watching the damn thing? Why does each team get 15 freaking minutes in the first round? They've been preparing for every scenario involving every player for the last four months. Do they seriously think it's going to take 15 minutes for these teams to decide who to take? If the draft were not televised live from Radio City Music Hall on two different stations, if it weren't the most over-hyped spectacle since Geraldo opening Capon's vault, the teams would get like 5 minutes tops. They know who they are going to pick. The league just wants to milk it for all it's worth. The longer they are on the air, the more commercials are played, therefore more revenue is filtered into a league that really doesn't need any more revenue. It's all a big scam of our time and energy. I flip on Sportscenter hoping to check out some baseball scores or NBA playoff analysis and instead I'm hearing for the eight-thousandth time how strong Jamarcus Russell's arm is and how young Amobi Okoye is and how sexy Brady Quinn is. You know, the usual mind-numbing nothingness that is inherent when people try to analyze the vertical leaps and shuttle run times of twenty year olds.
Let's get past the over-exposure of the Draft for just a second. Does anybody really think that any of it matters all that much? An active NFL roster has 53 names on it. The draft gets each team on average 7 or so new players, a couple of whom will not make the team. Also, this is a league in which teams build off of free agency. With all of this taken into account, who cares who these teams pick? Most of them are destined to become "cap casualties" who end up with six different teams during their exploitation by the league. Sure, there will be players who make huge impacts on the roster and who help transform the franchise. I get that. But in a league in which players are changing teams every year, does it matter which team the start out with?
Frankly, the NBA draft is the most important of all drafts. One player can completely change a franchise. One year, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the worst team in basketball. One Lebron and two seasons later, they are contenders in the East. One player can have a huge impact on the on-court performance of an NBA team. In football, there are 22 different positions. Is that one left tackle going make 4-12 into 12-4? Unlikely. That's not to say that it never happens (see: Vince Young). But NFL teams build in free agency. In a "win now or else" culture, free agents help teams win now. The coaches who draft these players likely won't be around to enjoy the fruits of their tireless scouting labor because they'll be fired by the time the players pan out (or flame out). It's a giant crap shoot for guys who may be fantastic but still not impact the team enough to illicit noticeable improvement in the standings.
As you can tell, I'm sick of all of this draft talk and can't wait until Monday when, instead of talking about what might happen in the draft, we get to hear about what did happen and what it all means for the next four months. Give me NBA playoff basketball over name reading all day long. Has anybody noticed that the first week of NBA playoffs was sick with excitement and intrigue? Probably not because instead of hearing about the defending champs possibly meeting their match, or the best team in basketball getting themselves into a real dog fight, or Utah and Houston playing perhaps the most competitive first round series ever, we're hearing about how some of the possible draft picks admitted to smoking pot. Shocking! That's like telling me Bill Gates doesn't have an iPod. You didn't have to tell me but I probably could have figured it out anyway. Guys smoke pot in college. Big deal.
By the way, the Eugene Marathon is this weekend and I'm getting ready to head over to the Hilton for the Health-Fitness Expo and to check-in. I am thoroughly jacked! I hope I don't keel over and die at mile 20 or something bad like that because then I'll miss all of the exciting wrap-up from Name Reading 2007. I'll check in the draft a couple of times but I'll mainly be watching basketball, mentally preparing to run, and carb-loading. I wish Enoka Lucas, JD Nelson, Jordan Kent, Blair Phillips, and all the other Ducks who may get drafted huge amounts of luck. I hope their names get called and I hope they get a chance to represent the O at the next level. That said, I won't feel the need to be glued to the set when their names scroll across the screens as the most recent selection.
To wrap-up, the Oregon Spring Game is this weekend. I am considering going, but I may not. It would be too terrifying to watch Jonathon Stewart get tackled. Everyday I open the sports page, I am praying (even though I'm not religious) that the headline isn't something like "Stewart blows out ACL, lost for season." EEK! As long as nobody gets hurt and lots of food is donated to the Lane County Food Share, the day will be a success.
When did the NFL Draft become the biggest thing since hot dog stands? It's long and it's boring. Why not just wait a day and read the entire list of picks in the newspaper instead of wasting an entire day watching the damn thing? Why does each team get 15 freaking minutes in the first round? They've been preparing for every scenario involving every player for the last four months. Do they seriously think it's going to take 15 minutes for these teams to decide who to take? If the draft were not televised live from Radio City Music Hall on two different stations, if it weren't the most over-hyped spectacle since Geraldo opening Capon's vault, the teams would get like 5 minutes tops. They know who they are going to pick. The league just wants to milk it for all it's worth. The longer they are on the air, the more commercials are played, therefore more revenue is filtered into a league that really doesn't need any more revenue. It's all a big scam of our time and energy. I flip on Sportscenter hoping to check out some baseball scores or NBA playoff analysis and instead I'm hearing for the eight-thousandth time how strong Jamarcus Russell's arm is and how young Amobi Okoye is and how sexy Brady Quinn is. You know, the usual mind-numbing nothingness that is inherent when people try to analyze the vertical leaps and shuttle run times of twenty year olds.
Let's get past the over-exposure of the Draft for just a second. Does anybody really think that any of it matters all that much? An active NFL roster has 53 names on it. The draft gets each team on average 7 or so new players, a couple of whom will not make the team. Also, this is a league in which teams build off of free agency. With all of this taken into account, who cares who these teams pick? Most of them are destined to become "cap casualties" who end up with six different teams during their exploitation by the league. Sure, there will be players who make huge impacts on the roster and who help transform the franchise. I get that. But in a league in which players are changing teams every year, does it matter which team the start out with?
Frankly, the NBA draft is the most important of all drafts. One player can completely change a franchise. One year, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the worst team in basketball. One Lebron and two seasons later, they are contenders in the East. One player can have a huge impact on the on-court performance of an NBA team. In football, there are 22 different positions. Is that one left tackle going make 4-12 into 12-4? Unlikely. That's not to say that it never happens (see: Vince Young). But NFL teams build in free agency. In a "win now or else" culture, free agents help teams win now. The coaches who draft these players likely won't be around to enjoy the fruits of their tireless scouting labor because they'll be fired by the time the players pan out (or flame out). It's a giant crap shoot for guys who may be fantastic but still not impact the team enough to illicit noticeable improvement in the standings.
As you can tell, I'm sick of all of this draft talk and can't wait until Monday when, instead of talking about what might happen in the draft, we get to hear about what did happen and what it all means for the next four months. Give me NBA playoff basketball over name reading all day long. Has anybody noticed that the first week of NBA playoffs was sick with excitement and intrigue? Probably not because instead of hearing about the defending champs possibly meeting their match, or the best team in basketball getting themselves into a real dog fight, or Utah and Houston playing perhaps the most competitive first round series ever, we're hearing about how some of the possible draft picks admitted to smoking pot. Shocking! That's like telling me Bill Gates doesn't have an iPod. You didn't have to tell me but I probably could have figured it out anyway. Guys smoke pot in college. Big deal.
By the way, the Eugene Marathon is this weekend and I'm getting ready to head over to the Hilton for the Health-Fitness Expo and to check-in. I am thoroughly jacked! I hope I don't keel over and die at mile 20 or something bad like that because then I'll miss all of the exciting wrap-up from Name Reading 2007. I'll check in the draft a couple of times but I'll mainly be watching basketball, mentally preparing to run, and carb-loading. I wish Enoka Lucas, JD Nelson, Jordan Kent, Blair Phillips, and all the other Ducks who may get drafted huge amounts of luck. I hope their names get called and I hope they get a chance to represent the O at the next level. That said, I won't feel the need to be glued to the set when their names scroll across the screens as the most recent selection.
To wrap-up, the Oregon Spring Game is this weekend. I am considering going, but I may not. It would be too terrifying to watch Jonathon Stewart get tackled. Everyday I open the sports page, I am praying (even though I'm not religious) that the headline isn't something like "Stewart blows out ACL, lost for season." EEK! As long as nobody gets hurt and lots of food is donated to the Lane County Food Share, the day will be a success.
Monday, April 23, 2007
I love the Mariners, but I hate rooting for them
All I have to say is, "Thank goodness Mariner baseball doesn't completely engulf my life." At least I have classes, research, homework, the NBA playoffs, running (marathon on Sunday), etc. For all the fans out there who are forced to live and die with every Jeff Weaver meatball, every Willie Bloomquist flare-out, every Yuniesky Betencourt fumble-bumble, I am sorry.
This team just seems to suck the life out baseball season. I catch at least snippets of every game and every time I click over, something bad is happening. Either the opponent's lead has increased, the opponent is in the middle of a rally, the next pitch is smacked to wherever, or some combination of all of these plus the deflated feeling of seeing Julio Mateo warming up in the bullpen just for good measure. This is pretty much a microcosm of what happened during yesterday's game as I tried to focus on the Lakers-Suns game while simultaneously harboring depressed thoughts of what is probably taking place over on Fox Sports Seattle. It was a hopeless feeling that allowed for no enjoyment of a ridiculously entertaining Game 1 in Phoenix.
I knew things were going to turn for the worst after I received a text-message (seriously, why couldn't he have just called me or something? Since when are we forced to resort to one sentence back-and-forths with awful grammar to communicate?) from my Dad which read "I think it's time people start taking this Mariner team seriously." I didn't write back, preferring to instead allow the next week's performance to be my response, though I couldn't have expected they would lose EVERY SINGLE GAME!
I know I stated earlier that Jeff Weaver was a harmless fifth starter and I sort of stand by it. I mean, we only have to put up with him for one year, and every time he starts we get to see one of our rule-five minimum-wage hacks like Sean White get a few innings in because Weaver can't possibly figure out a way not to get lit up (I probably shouldn't call Sean White a hack. He is able to perform a task that I couldn't fathom doing. If you are pitching for an MLB squad, you are a talented cat). The problem with the "Weaver is harmless" theory is that Hargrove doesn't subscribe. He yanked the kid after three innings, three runs, and 68 pitches! That doesn't totally blow but it is a marked improvement from his last two bombshells. Apparently, Weaver is now officially in the dog house which may eventually lead to him coming out of the pen. Frankly, what's the difference? If he starts, he gives us 3-5 innings with 3-7 runs. If he's in the pen, he gives us 1 inning of 1-2 runs. It's basically the same thing. Plus, we already have a couple of guys who are perfectly capable of doing what Weaver would do in a relief role. Every team needs that one guy who is going to lay an egg once every five days so that guys who can't be trusted to pitch in winnable games can get some time to prove whether or not they deserve an invite to Spring Training next year. Weaver's our guy, an essential cog in the rotation of a doomed franchise with no direction and no chance of keeping arguably the franchises best-ever player around for the long-term.
This reminds me, I did want to touch on Ichiro. Sure, he isn't lighting it up but he is getting his hits and playing his solid outfield (he hasn't gotten a chance to play spectacular outfield because every time a ball is headed his way it's usually over the fence, meaning there's no opportunity to be spectacular). Why isn't he reeling off five-hit, three-stolen base games? Because he sees the writing on the wall like everybody. The situation is dire. Yeah, it's a contract year and a big season could mean more cash, but he is going to deservedly get his huge contract no matter what. Everybody knows he can play. It's just that at this point, the motivation has been sucked out of him. It's not just this year, but a combination of the last 3-4 years of futility. It's wearing him down. There are examples of similar situations in which big-time players see there production wane amid hopeless circumstances. Take Todd Helton in Colorado. He's been there his whole career but his numbers are noticeably less fantastic in the last few years, mainly because Colorado is in an endless suck vacuum of last place-ness. Same with Miguel Tejada in Baltimore (although the O's are actually relevant this year, which I envy. How sad is it that I am envious of a team's simple relevancy, while the Mariners are lightyears from that status?). No matter what we hear about loyalty or whatever, Ichiro will not be a Mariner next year. Who is going to blame him for jumping ship? Nobody. The issue won't be money. The M's will offer a respectable deal, plus Ichiro isn't going to gold dig like that. He wants to win, which is evident in statements he has made in the past. He has got to be tired of this franchise's futility and realizes it's time to move on. I wish him luck.
I can't believe I just wrote a bon voyage to the team's best player just 14 games into the season. There is a chance this thing will turn around. Maybe Felix comes back 100%, maybe Ichiro goes on one of his patented season-long tears, maybe one of the four fifth-starters in the rotation discovers his inner stud and pitches at least on an average level for the rest of the year. Maybe. But not likely. In fact, not possible. The team sucks. They made numerous moves and acquisitions in the off-season and not one made the team better. On the bright side, Bavasi is gone after the year (we hope) and maybe somebody with a vision or talent or something will be hired. Maybe. But not likely. In fact, not possible.
This team just seems to suck the life out baseball season. I catch at least snippets of every game and every time I click over, something bad is happening. Either the opponent's lead has increased, the opponent is in the middle of a rally, the next pitch is smacked to wherever, or some combination of all of these plus the deflated feeling of seeing Julio Mateo warming up in the bullpen just for good measure. This is pretty much a microcosm of what happened during yesterday's game as I tried to focus on the Lakers-Suns game while simultaneously harboring depressed thoughts of what is probably taking place over on Fox Sports Seattle. It was a hopeless feeling that allowed for no enjoyment of a ridiculously entertaining Game 1 in Phoenix.
I knew things were going to turn for the worst after I received a text-message (seriously, why couldn't he have just called me or something? Since when are we forced to resort to one sentence back-and-forths with awful grammar to communicate?) from my Dad which read "I think it's time people start taking this Mariner team seriously." I didn't write back, preferring to instead allow the next week's performance to be my response, though I couldn't have expected they would lose EVERY SINGLE GAME!
I know I stated earlier that Jeff Weaver was a harmless fifth starter and I sort of stand by it. I mean, we only have to put up with him for one year, and every time he starts we get to see one of our rule-five minimum-wage hacks like Sean White get a few innings in because Weaver can't possibly figure out a way not to get lit up (I probably shouldn't call Sean White a hack. He is able to perform a task that I couldn't fathom doing. If you are pitching for an MLB squad, you are a talented cat). The problem with the "Weaver is harmless" theory is that Hargrove doesn't subscribe. He yanked the kid after three innings, three runs, and 68 pitches! That doesn't totally blow but it is a marked improvement from his last two bombshells. Apparently, Weaver is now officially in the dog house which may eventually lead to him coming out of the pen. Frankly, what's the difference? If he starts, he gives us 3-5 innings with 3-7 runs. If he's in the pen, he gives us 1 inning of 1-2 runs. It's basically the same thing. Plus, we already have a couple of guys who are perfectly capable of doing what Weaver would do in a relief role. Every team needs that one guy who is going to lay an egg once every five days so that guys who can't be trusted to pitch in winnable games can get some time to prove whether or not they deserve an invite to Spring Training next year. Weaver's our guy, an essential cog in the rotation of a doomed franchise with no direction and no chance of keeping arguably the franchises best-ever player around for the long-term.
This reminds me, I did want to touch on Ichiro. Sure, he isn't lighting it up but he is getting his hits and playing his solid outfield (he hasn't gotten a chance to play spectacular outfield because every time a ball is headed his way it's usually over the fence, meaning there's no opportunity to be spectacular). Why isn't he reeling off five-hit, three-stolen base games? Because he sees the writing on the wall like everybody. The situation is dire. Yeah, it's a contract year and a big season could mean more cash, but he is going to deservedly get his huge contract no matter what. Everybody knows he can play. It's just that at this point, the motivation has been sucked out of him. It's not just this year, but a combination of the last 3-4 years of futility. It's wearing him down. There are examples of similar situations in which big-time players see there production wane amid hopeless circumstances. Take Todd Helton in Colorado. He's been there his whole career but his numbers are noticeably less fantastic in the last few years, mainly because Colorado is in an endless suck vacuum of last place-ness. Same with Miguel Tejada in Baltimore (although the O's are actually relevant this year, which I envy. How sad is it that I am envious of a team's simple relevancy, while the Mariners are lightyears from that status?). No matter what we hear about loyalty or whatever, Ichiro will not be a Mariner next year. Who is going to blame him for jumping ship? Nobody. The issue won't be money. The M's will offer a respectable deal, plus Ichiro isn't going to gold dig like that. He wants to win, which is evident in statements he has made in the past. He has got to be tired of this franchise's futility and realizes it's time to move on. I wish him luck.
I can't believe I just wrote a bon voyage to the team's best player just 14 games into the season. There is a chance this thing will turn around. Maybe Felix comes back 100%, maybe Ichiro goes on one of his patented season-long tears, maybe one of the four fifth-starters in the rotation discovers his inner stud and pitches at least on an average level for the rest of the year. Maybe. But not likely. In fact, not possible. The team sucks. They made numerous moves and acquisitions in the off-season and not one made the team better. On the bright side, Bavasi is gone after the year (we hope) and maybe somebody with a vision or talent or something will be hired. Maybe. But not likely. In fact, not possible.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Tear
To begin, I would like to apologize for the extended absence. Just deal with it.
As you may have noticed, last night was the final night of the NBA's regular season. For me, there is always a sense of sadness when a season ends, even one as lackluster and mind-numbing as this year's regular season. The NBA may be my favorite professional sports league, but it is by no means my favorite regular season. This is the case for a couple of reasons. The first is that it kicks off around Halloween when the weather sucks, everybody is still getting used to being in school, and there is just general discontent among the masses. It's the lull between the happiness of summer and the happiness of the holidays. It just plain sucks and the fact that the regular season is beginning just makes me even more angry because it's as if the basketball gods are taunting the world. They give us a glimpse of happiness (basketball) amid the wretchedness of the time of year. Makes me angry just thinking about it. The other reason why the NBA regular season is sort of head-banging is that it's so damn long. I watch a Blazer game with the highest degree of fervor but in the back of my mind I am thinking to myself "Does it really matter?" The season is so long that the individual games just bleed together. Sure, you may be watching an entertaining and exciting game between two random teams on a random night but you realize that not only do you not really care, but there are a good handful of players on the court who don't care. For the good teams, they just want to get to the playoffs. For the bad teams, the players are simply harboring a sense of jealousy that they won't get to be in the playoffs and even if they do they are relegated to sacrificial lamb status to an actual contender.
So if the NBA regular season irritates me so much, there must be some aspect of the league that rocks my socks off in order for it to be my favorite professional sport. That aspect is the playoffs. The NBA is the highest level of basketball anywhere in the world, even if you wouldn't know it on a nightly basis. Come playoff time, the best come to play and the games are the most intense brand of basketball anywhere on the planet. Period. This is when the stars come out and go at each other like there is no tomorrow. There is no tomorrow. It's win or go home. Even though a single loss doesn't send a team packing, the mantra still stands. This is another reason why the playoffs own. The best will prevail. In the NCAA tourney (God bless it, even though I have never been to church a day in my life) you get the great upsets and the Cinderella stories. But as a result, the best rarely prevails and a true champion is rarely crowned. In the NBA, we find out who is the best of the best. We hear endless debates about the Mavs, Suns, and Spurs. People think they know who the best of the three really is. Now, we will get to find out. We will know because they are on a collision course. Sure, they ain't playin' no round robin or anything like that. The Mavs very well may not play the Spurs. That's fine with me because the reason they wouldn't play the Spurs is that the Suns beat them. Therefore, Suns > Spurs. Suns play Mavs, we find out who's better. Nothing like it. In two months, we will truly know which team is the best in the league. The debates will end and there will be a definitive answer.
Okay, now I'm jacked up. Just think about some of these first round match-ups! Jazz vs. Rockets! Spurs vs. Nuggets! Nets vs. Raptors! And it's only the first round! There are certainly some dozers like Cavs vs. Wizards and Pistons vs. Magic (frankly, anything involving the Pistons is going to be boring as hell), but all roads lead to freakish awesomeness for any true basketball fan. My head would fall off from excitement if I weren't completely swamped with other issues, like ridiculous amounts of research and schoolwork, two of the reasons why I haven't posted in two weeks. Again, apologies. My bad.
I would be remiss if I didn't offer my good thoughts to all who were affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy. It hit hard for everyone and especially college students who understand the dynamics of a college campus. It was shocking and horrible. It's safe to say that I will be rooting for VA Tech to win in whatever it is they are competing for the remainder of my life, though that obviously is of no comfort to those forever shaken.
Good luck, and good night.
As you may have noticed, last night was the final night of the NBA's regular season. For me, there is always a sense of sadness when a season ends, even one as lackluster and mind-numbing as this year's regular season. The NBA may be my favorite professional sports league, but it is by no means my favorite regular season. This is the case for a couple of reasons. The first is that it kicks off around Halloween when the weather sucks, everybody is still getting used to being in school, and there is just general discontent among the masses. It's the lull between the happiness of summer and the happiness of the holidays. It just plain sucks and the fact that the regular season is beginning just makes me even more angry because it's as if the basketball gods are taunting the world. They give us a glimpse of happiness (basketball) amid the wretchedness of the time of year. Makes me angry just thinking about it. The other reason why the NBA regular season is sort of head-banging is that it's so damn long. I watch a Blazer game with the highest degree of fervor but in the back of my mind I am thinking to myself "Does it really matter?" The season is so long that the individual games just bleed together. Sure, you may be watching an entertaining and exciting game between two random teams on a random night but you realize that not only do you not really care, but there are a good handful of players on the court who don't care. For the good teams, they just want to get to the playoffs. For the bad teams, the players are simply harboring a sense of jealousy that they won't get to be in the playoffs and even if they do they are relegated to sacrificial lamb status to an actual contender.
So if the NBA regular season irritates me so much, there must be some aspect of the league that rocks my socks off in order for it to be my favorite professional sport. That aspect is the playoffs. The NBA is the highest level of basketball anywhere in the world, even if you wouldn't know it on a nightly basis. Come playoff time, the best come to play and the games are the most intense brand of basketball anywhere on the planet. Period. This is when the stars come out and go at each other like there is no tomorrow. There is no tomorrow. It's win or go home. Even though a single loss doesn't send a team packing, the mantra still stands. This is another reason why the playoffs own. The best will prevail. In the NCAA tourney (God bless it, even though I have never been to church a day in my life) you get the great upsets and the Cinderella stories. But as a result, the best rarely prevails and a true champion is rarely crowned. In the NBA, we find out who is the best of the best. We hear endless debates about the Mavs, Suns, and Spurs. People think they know who the best of the three really is. Now, we will get to find out. We will know because they are on a collision course. Sure, they ain't playin' no round robin or anything like that. The Mavs very well may not play the Spurs. That's fine with me because the reason they wouldn't play the Spurs is that the Suns beat them. Therefore, Suns > Spurs. Suns play Mavs, we find out who's better. Nothing like it. In two months, we will truly know which team is the best in the league. The debates will end and there will be a definitive answer.
Okay, now I'm jacked up. Just think about some of these first round match-ups! Jazz vs. Rockets! Spurs vs. Nuggets! Nets vs. Raptors! And it's only the first round! There are certainly some dozers like Cavs vs. Wizards and Pistons vs. Magic (frankly, anything involving the Pistons is going to be boring as hell), but all roads lead to freakish awesomeness for any true basketball fan. My head would fall off from excitement if I weren't completely swamped with other issues, like ridiculous amounts of research and schoolwork, two of the reasons why I haven't posted in two weeks. Again, apologies. My bad.
I would be remiss if I didn't offer my good thoughts to all who were affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy. It hit hard for everyone and especially college students who understand the dynamics of a college campus. It was shocking and horrible. It's safe to say that I will be rooting for VA Tech to win in whatever it is they are competing for the remainder of my life, though that obviously is of no comfort to those forever shaken.
Good luck, and good night.
Friday, April 06, 2007
The Mariners are on pace for 108 wins, so expectations are sky-high
Okay, maybe not, although it is nice that the Mariners have already matched their win total over the A's from last season (two) in the first series of the year. The problem is that the second game of the season may mark the high-point when all is said and done. There are so many issues with this team that it's just uncanny. As I have mentioned before, there is absolutely no hope in rooting for this year's Mariner team. It's like rooting for a good Kate Hudson movie. Not gonna happen. I think at this point it would be pertinent to take a look at some of the individual parts that make up this season's version of futility to see how they fit into to the present and future.
The Studs:
Ichiro-This one's a given. The guy is going to show up, get his 200 hits, hit his .330, steal his 45 bases, win his Gold Glove, and not complain. He'll just get it done. It's nice that he shows up and plays like the all-star he is without making a fuss, but it might take someone like Ichiro, the face of the franchise, to go off on one of those patented superstar rampages about how the direction of the organization sucks. He won't do it because he is classy and loyal but he should. Bottom line, this guy is gone after the season. His contract is up, the Mariners won't be able to pay him what other teams are willing to because they have over $20 million a year wrapped up in Beltre and Sexson alone. The only way he is a Mariner next year is if he finds the loyalty sting impossible to ignore. I would think that the dollar signs coming from New York, Boston, etc. will be hard to ignore as well.
King Felix-His first start of the year was one for the ages. Before Opening Day, the best game I saw him pitch was last year against Tampa when he pitched a complete game shutout on something like 88 pitches. This 8-inning, zero run, two hit, 12 K, 12 groundball out performance was better because a) it was Opening Day b) it was against the maddeningly patient and dreaded Oakland A's and c) because he could literally do whatever he wanted as he toyed with the Oakland hitters. If the team can get a handful of those types of starts along with the lot of really solid starts, we may be looking at a 20 game winner. However, anyone who follows the Mariners knows that eventually all Mariner young arms break down for some reason and the once promising future that it held is gone faster than a Jarred Washburn hanger. He needs to stay healthy, confident, and focused and he'll be fine.
Raul Ibanez-I love Raul like I love running. Not as much as Tom Izzo of course, but in the same ballpark. Raul is the most reliable hitter on this team, maybe more so than Ichiro. The Mariners signed him to do a couple of things: hit 20-30 homers, drive in 80-100 runs, hit in the .280-.300 range, and play serviceable defense. He has done it without fail. Everybody else not in the Stud category is easy to ridicule for various reasons, but there is never anything bad to say about Raul. He does his job as reliably as Old Faithful. He's almost as reliable as irritated silence at a Carlos Mencia show. I respect Raul like you wouldn't believe.
To give you an idea of how hopeless this year is, those are the only solid, reliable guys on a roster mostly loaded with question marks. I could name every other name on the team as a question mark but for the sake of time and sanity, I'll only name a few.
Question Marks:
Adrian Beltre-I seriously can't get a read on this guy. He's harder to read than James Joyce. Harder to read than Phil Ivey. He totally sucks during his first season in Seattle. He totally sucks for the first-half of his second season in Seattle. Then he blows up in the second half of last year to finish with a respectable .268/25/89 line. He hit like fifty homers during Spring Training, leading optimistic Mariner-ites to believe that this could be the year he comes close to matching the numbers he put up in his contract year with True Blue (.334/48/121). I'm taking a wait-and-see approach. The one thing that you can count on is that he'll own in the field. His Glove is Golden. If he produces for a whole season like he did in the latter half of last season, the Mariners might just have something justifiable for their $12 million a year.
Everyone except the King in the pitching staff-Take a look at who the Mariners will trot out to the bump on the dreaded non-Felix days: Jarred Washburn, Miguel Batista, Horacio Ramirez, Jeff Weaver. Is there a greater epitome of a question mark than that line-up? I like Washburn but he is no #2 starter. It would be nice to put him at the back end of a rotation but Seattle simply doesn't have the horses for it. Miguel Batista is apparently very smart, writing poetry, studying Proust, and what not, but can he pitch? He has pretty much done it all in his career. He has started, relieved, and closed. It's cool and all to be jack-of-all trades but I hesitate to get fully behind that. Is it that he's good at a bunch of stuff or that nobody, including him, knows exactly what he is? His first start, in which he gave up eight runs in 4.2 innings, didn't do much to clarify this conundrum, but I'm willing to give him a chance because I study Proust as well. Don't even get me started on Horacio Ramirez. I'm sure he's a nice guy and all, and he did have moderate success when he wasn't chronically injured in Atlanta, but we gave up Rafeal Soriano AKA The Next Mariano for this guy, a #4 starter. Great job, Bavasi! Hope you know something nobody else in MLB knows. As far as Weaver goes, it seems like a harmless signing. We're only stuck with him for one year and he has shown signs of having great stuff, especially in the postseason with St. Louis. If he can finally pan out, Seattle might have something. Frankly, Weaver might be the second best pitcher on the staff if he lives up to his potential.
I could go on about other question marks, such as Sexson (who refuses not to strike out), Vidro (who refuses to get his fat-ass into shape), Lopez (who has mysteriously forgotten how to hit for power), and Jose Guillen (who might end up killing one of his teammates), but that would just get me tired and upset. I have a 20-mile run tomorrow so I can't afford either since I will be experiencing plenty of that. But you get the idea: too many ifs, buts, and maybes for this team to be a true contender. The way I see it, the best case in a perfect world for this team is a second place finish behind Oakland and that's if the LA Angels of Anaheim fall completely flat on their faces. The Mariners won't finish ahead of Oakland because they don't have the capacity to be anything other than Oakland's female dog at this point, and they just aren't as good as Texas or LA. The one consolation is that there are only four teams in the division, meaning the worst Seattle can do is come in fourth which in any other division isn't last. GREAT SUCCESS! (Jesus Christ I hated that movie! Sasha Baron Cohen's talent + 1 = 1). This being said, I love the Mariners, I love baseball, and I'm glad it's back. Onward!
The Studs:
Ichiro-This one's a given. The guy is going to show up, get his 200 hits, hit his .330, steal his 45 bases, win his Gold Glove, and not complain. He'll just get it done. It's nice that he shows up and plays like the all-star he is without making a fuss, but it might take someone like Ichiro, the face of the franchise, to go off on one of those patented superstar rampages about how the direction of the organization sucks. He won't do it because he is classy and loyal but he should. Bottom line, this guy is gone after the season. His contract is up, the Mariners won't be able to pay him what other teams are willing to because they have over $20 million a year wrapped up in Beltre and Sexson alone. The only way he is a Mariner next year is if he finds the loyalty sting impossible to ignore. I would think that the dollar signs coming from New York, Boston, etc. will be hard to ignore as well.
King Felix-His first start of the year was one for the ages. Before Opening Day, the best game I saw him pitch was last year against Tampa when he pitched a complete game shutout on something like 88 pitches. This 8-inning, zero run, two hit, 12 K, 12 groundball out performance was better because a) it was Opening Day b) it was against the maddeningly patient and dreaded Oakland A's and c) because he could literally do whatever he wanted as he toyed with the Oakland hitters. If the team can get a handful of those types of starts along with the lot of really solid starts, we may be looking at a 20 game winner. However, anyone who follows the Mariners knows that eventually all Mariner young arms break down for some reason and the once promising future that it held is gone faster than a Jarred Washburn hanger. He needs to stay healthy, confident, and focused and he'll be fine.
Raul Ibanez-I love Raul like I love running. Not as much as Tom Izzo of course, but in the same ballpark. Raul is the most reliable hitter on this team, maybe more so than Ichiro. The Mariners signed him to do a couple of things: hit 20-30 homers, drive in 80-100 runs, hit in the .280-.300 range, and play serviceable defense. He has done it without fail. Everybody else not in the Stud category is easy to ridicule for various reasons, but there is never anything bad to say about Raul. He does his job as reliably as Old Faithful. He's almost as reliable as irritated silence at a Carlos Mencia show. I respect Raul like you wouldn't believe.
To give you an idea of how hopeless this year is, those are the only solid, reliable guys on a roster mostly loaded with question marks. I could name every other name on the team as a question mark but for the sake of time and sanity, I'll only name a few.
Question Marks:
Adrian Beltre-I seriously can't get a read on this guy. He's harder to read than James Joyce. Harder to read than Phil Ivey. He totally sucks during his first season in Seattle. He totally sucks for the first-half of his second season in Seattle. Then he blows up in the second half of last year to finish with a respectable .268/25/89 line. He hit like fifty homers during Spring Training, leading optimistic Mariner-ites to believe that this could be the year he comes close to matching the numbers he put up in his contract year with True Blue (.334/48/121). I'm taking a wait-and-see approach. The one thing that you can count on is that he'll own in the field. His Glove is Golden. If he produces for a whole season like he did in the latter half of last season, the Mariners might just have something justifiable for their $12 million a year.
Everyone except the King in the pitching staff-Take a look at who the Mariners will trot out to the bump on the dreaded non-Felix days: Jarred Washburn, Miguel Batista, Horacio Ramirez, Jeff Weaver. Is there a greater epitome of a question mark than that line-up? I like Washburn but he is no #2 starter. It would be nice to put him at the back end of a rotation but Seattle simply doesn't have the horses for it. Miguel Batista is apparently very smart, writing poetry, studying Proust, and what not, but can he pitch? He has pretty much done it all in his career. He has started, relieved, and closed. It's cool and all to be jack-of-all trades but I hesitate to get fully behind that. Is it that he's good at a bunch of stuff or that nobody, including him, knows exactly what he is? His first start, in which he gave up eight runs in 4.2 innings, didn't do much to clarify this conundrum, but I'm willing to give him a chance because I study Proust as well. Don't even get me started on Horacio Ramirez. I'm sure he's a nice guy and all, and he did have moderate success when he wasn't chronically injured in Atlanta, but we gave up Rafeal Soriano AKA The Next Mariano for this guy, a #4 starter. Great job, Bavasi! Hope you know something nobody else in MLB knows. As far as Weaver goes, it seems like a harmless signing. We're only stuck with him for one year and he has shown signs of having great stuff, especially in the postseason with St. Louis. If he can finally pan out, Seattle might have something. Frankly, Weaver might be the second best pitcher on the staff if he lives up to his potential.
I could go on about other question marks, such as Sexson (who refuses not to strike out), Vidro (who refuses to get his fat-ass into shape), Lopez (who has mysteriously forgotten how to hit for power), and Jose Guillen (who might end up killing one of his teammates), but that would just get me tired and upset. I have a 20-mile run tomorrow so I can't afford either since I will be experiencing plenty of that. But you get the idea: too many ifs, buts, and maybes for this team to be a true contender. The way I see it, the best case in a perfect world for this team is a second place finish behind Oakland and that's if the LA Angels of Anaheim fall completely flat on their faces. The Mariners won't finish ahead of Oakland because they don't have the capacity to be anything other than Oakland's female dog at this point, and they just aren't as good as Texas or LA. The one consolation is that there are only four teams in the division, meaning the worst Seattle can do is come in fourth which in any other division isn't last. GREAT SUCCESS! (Jesus Christ I hated that movie! Sasha Baron Cohen's talent + 1 = 1). This being said, I love the Mariners, I love baseball, and I'm glad it's back. Onward!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
It's a Gator Nation, we're just living in it
It must really be a difficult time for all of the people in America who dislike the University of Florida. I am not one of them, but I can imagine why some may have unsavory feelings towards the Gators. Ever since Steve Spurrier brought his high-octane, run up the score and laugh in you face brand of football to Gainesville, ever since UF became the envy of all other SEC schools with it's huge revenue and constant success in basically every sport, it has been an easily dislikeable institution. It's gotta be a tough day for the people who harbor these feelings because the Gators are officially taking over the country. For everyone who thought China would eventually come and take over everything, you were wrong. We are now officially a Gator Nation.
Donovan's boys did exactly what everyone knew they would do. They were very businesslike in their 84-75 victory over the Buckeyes. No flash, no gimmicks, just a victory. Every time Ohio State made a half-hearted effort at getting back into the game, Lee Humphrey hit a three, or Corey Brewer made a play on D, or Taurean Green made a play. I don't know why anyone would have expected anything other than what we saw last night. Although going back-to-back puts them in remarkably exclusive company, they can't be considered one of the great teams in NCAA history. Top ten sure, but not top five. Given that, this will be a team that we remember forever. Four guys who had millions of dollars on the table go back to school for each other, to do something that would put them in the same breath as Duke and UCLA, to be BMOCs for one more year. Outstanding.
On the other side, Greg Oden was O.U.T.S.T.A.N.D.I.N.G. It's good to see that his final game as a collegiate was his best. There have been doubters, but anyone who saw his performance last night would not dispute his status as the #1 pick in the upcoming draft. Some have said that the Buckeyes are better when he sits, some have said Mike Conley is the best player on that team, and some have said that he doesn't have that killer instinct, he's not mean enough, and that despite his stature as a legit center at the next level it should be Kevin Durant who goes #1. Look, whoever gets Kevin Durant will be getting arguably the greatest college basketball player ever, but Oden is my guy to stick in the middle night in, night out in the NBA. Last night proved it. He was the best player on a court of first-round picks. If Thad Matta had given him one or two more minutes to catch his breath, he wouldn't have played the last six minutes completely exhausted, and maybe the game would have been a game late. Nonetheless, this was the dominant performance everyone had been waiting to see and it came on the big stage, when the lights were on, and when his team needed it most. The problem was that the money three-point looks that the Buckeyes had been knocking down all year weren't falling. Butler was 2-6, Harris was 1-8, Lewis was 0-4. It's too bad because that team wasted their best player's best performance in the biggest game of they year because they couldn't knock down a shot when they needed to.
As far as Florida goes, it's going to be hard for teams in the middle of the lottery to pass on Corey Brewer. I have said time and again that I would love to see Jeff Green in a Blazer uniform next year but after he chickened out against OSU, I put Brewer in his place. He's a tremendous defender, crazy athletic, has great instincts (which can't be taught), and a solid mid-range jumper. He's like a smarter, better shooting version of Travis Outlaw. If the Blazers are sitting there at about the sixth pick and Brewer is on the board, he's the guy I want, at least as of now. The guy is phenomenal, as is Al Horford, the biggest MAN in the tournament. The guy has the tools to be tremendously effective in the league. He is as strong as OJ's legal team, can box out a bulldozer, and is a solid low-post defender. The only knock is he's a little on the raw side offensively, but he shows signs. In the first half, he faced up on the left block, drove to the middle, spun baseline, and put up a gorgeous left-handed baby-hook off the glass that fell. If he can develop that and one or two more moves, he will be a beast at the next level. Joakim Noah continues to puzzle. He was tired, proved he can't hit a jumper outside of about five feet, and shows no signs of being worth a lottery pick, especially in the most loaded draft maybe ever. But he's a great teammate, a great defender, and a great rebounder. He is worth a mid-first round pick, but not a top ten pick.
Now the question is: what becomes of the Florida basketball program? This thing could be completely different next year. Think about it. They lose Humphrey and Richard to graduation and will likely lose Noah, Horford, Brewer, and probably Green to the draft. If everybody's gone, Donovan may leave while his stock is as high as it can get and take the UK job. If all this happens, the two-time defending champs will lose their top six players and their head coach. It will be like the Chicago Bulls after Jordan retired and they completely got rid everything. It will be shocking really when and if all this happens. That said, what they did was awesome and is something that will go down as one of the most impressive feats in college basketball history, even if it wasn't done by one of the greatest teams in college basketball history. We saw history last night and should not forget it. I would love to see all four guys plus Billy Donovan return to Florida next year but I'm pretty resigned to that not happening. Oh well, it was a great ride.
By the way, John Beilein, one of my top five favorite coaches, has reportedly taken the Michigan job, which means that Ernie Kent will not be taking the Michigan job. There is good and bad to this. The bad is that Ernie will probably be coaching at the O next year. The good is that Tom Izzo and John Beilein will now be competing against each other on a daily basis. They will be competing for recruits, for PR, and for victories in the great state of Michigan. I love Beilein almost as much as I love Izzo. I just decided that I'm going to dedicate an entire post at some point to this ridiculously awesome head-to-head so I'm not going to waste all of my excitement now. All of a sudden I don't care the EK is still coaching the Ducks because JB and TI will now be occupying the same general vicinity. Honestly, I may have to move to Michigan, or transfer to a college in Michigan just to experience the genius mojo that will be flowing from those two universities. I won't transfer to UM or MSU because I wouldn't want to offend the coach of the university I don't go to. I'm definitely looking into this and will update my progress at a later date. Also later, a Mariner baseball update and why yesterday's Opening Day win was such a tease. Enjoy your...um...Tuesday...I guess.
Donovan's boys did exactly what everyone knew they would do. They were very businesslike in their 84-75 victory over the Buckeyes. No flash, no gimmicks, just a victory. Every time Ohio State made a half-hearted effort at getting back into the game, Lee Humphrey hit a three, or Corey Brewer made a play on D, or Taurean Green made a play. I don't know why anyone would have expected anything other than what we saw last night. Although going back-to-back puts them in remarkably exclusive company, they can't be considered one of the great teams in NCAA history. Top ten sure, but not top five. Given that, this will be a team that we remember forever. Four guys who had millions of dollars on the table go back to school for each other, to do something that would put them in the same breath as Duke and UCLA, to be BMOCs for one more year. Outstanding.
On the other side, Greg Oden was O.U.T.S.T.A.N.D.I.N.G. It's good to see that his final game as a collegiate was his best. There have been doubters, but anyone who saw his performance last night would not dispute his status as the #1 pick in the upcoming draft. Some have said that the Buckeyes are better when he sits, some have said Mike Conley is the best player on that team, and some have said that he doesn't have that killer instinct, he's not mean enough, and that despite his stature as a legit center at the next level it should be Kevin Durant who goes #1. Look, whoever gets Kevin Durant will be getting arguably the greatest college basketball player ever, but Oden is my guy to stick in the middle night in, night out in the NBA. Last night proved it. He was the best player on a court of first-round picks. If Thad Matta had given him one or two more minutes to catch his breath, he wouldn't have played the last six minutes completely exhausted, and maybe the game would have been a game late. Nonetheless, this was the dominant performance everyone had been waiting to see and it came on the big stage, when the lights were on, and when his team needed it most. The problem was that the money three-point looks that the Buckeyes had been knocking down all year weren't falling. Butler was 2-6, Harris was 1-8, Lewis was 0-4. It's too bad because that team wasted their best player's best performance in the biggest game of they year because they couldn't knock down a shot when they needed to.
As far as Florida goes, it's going to be hard for teams in the middle of the lottery to pass on Corey Brewer. I have said time and again that I would love to see Jeff Green in a Blazer uniform next year but after he chickened out against OSU, I put Brewer in his place. He's a tremendous defender, crazy athletic, has great instincts (which can't be taught), and a solid mid-range jumper. He's like a smarter, better shooting version of Travis Outlaw. If the Blazers are sitting there at about the sixth pick and Brewer is on the board, he's the guy I want, at least as of now. The guy is phenomenal, as is Al Horford, the biggest MAN in the tournament. The guy has the tools to be tremendously effective in the league. He is as strong as OJ's legal team, can box out a bulldozer, and is a solid low-post defender. The only knock is he's a little on the raw side offensively, but he shows signs. In the first half, he faced up on the left block, drove to the middle, spun baseline, and put up a gorgeous left-handed baby-hook off the glass that fell. If he can develop that and one or two more moves, he will be a beast at the next level. Joakim Noah continues to puzzle. He was tired, proved he can't hit a jumper outside of about five feet, and shows no signs of being worth a lottery pick, especially in the most loaded draft maybe ever. But he's a great teammate, a great defender, and a great rebounder. He is worth a mid-first round pick, but not a top ten pick.
Now the question is: what becomes of the Florida basketball program? This thing could be completely different next year. Think about it. They lose Humphrey and Richard to graduation and will likely lose Noah, Horford, Brewer, and probably Green to the draft. If everybody's gone, Donovan may leave while his stock is as high as it can get and take the UK job. If all this happens, the two-time defending champs will lose their top six players and their head coach. It will be like the Chicago Bulls after Jordan retired and they completely got rid everything. It will be shocking really when and if all this happens. That said, what they did was awesome and is something that will go down as one of the most impressive feats in college basketball history, even if it wasn't done by one of the greatest teams in college basketball history. We saw history last night and should not forget it. I would love to see all four guys plus Billy Donovan return to Florida next year but I'm pretty resigned to that not happening. Oh well, it was a great ride.
By the way, John Beilein, one of my top five favorite coaches, has reportedly taken the Michigan job, which means that Ernie Kent will not be taking the Michigan job. There is good and bad to this. The bad is that Ernie will probably be coaching at the O next year. The good is that Tom Izzo and John Beilein will now be competing against each other on a daily basis. They will be competing for recruits, for PR, and for victories in the great state of Michigan. I love Beilein almost as much as I love Izzo. I just decided that I'm going to dedicate an entire post at some point to this ridiculously awesome head-to-head so I'm not going to waste all of my excitement now. All of a sudden I don't care the EK is still coaching the Ducks because JB and TI will now be occupying the same general vicinity. Honestly, I may have to move to Michigan, or transfer to a college in Michigan just to experience the genius mojo that will be flowing from those two universities. I won't transfer to UM or MSU because I wouldn't want to offend the coach of the university I don't go to. I'm definitely looking into this and will update my progress at a later date. Also later, a Mariner baseball update and why yesterday's Opening Day win was such a tease. Enjoy your...um...Tuesday...I guess.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Florida vs. THE Ohio State: Hardwood Style
The symmetry here is quite frightening. The first day of winter term here at the University of Oregon was January 8th, the day of the BCS National Championship Game. The first day of spring term is today, the day of the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game. Both games pitted Florida against Ohio State. More than just coincidence? Well, it says that two institutions of higher learning are taking over the world. Other than that, yeah just coincidence.
As for the game tonight, I think we all know what we are going to see. The Gators seem like college basketball's version of the San Antonio Spurs. They make struggle at times, they may seem kind of disinterested for stretches, but they know how to win and make plays when it matters. I don't see any reason why that won't happen tonight. I have Florida winning this game in my bracket and, if you have been following throughout the tournament, you know that I stick with what I've put down. It's worked so far (have I mentioned that I picked the Final Four and its winner exactly right?).
As I said a couple of days ago, these are the two best teams in America. They've proven it over the course of the tournament. I've always said that, despite the shortcomings of the BCS, college football always comes closer to crowning a true national champion than college basketball. This year, the champion of college basketball will be the best team in the nation.
Greg Oden is going to be ridiculously critical to how this game goes. Ohio State was going to beat Georgetown even without the foul-ridden Oden because they were flat-out better. Oden needs to be on the floor so the Gators don't completely dominate on the inside. Noah and Horford will be Noah and Horford, the same guys they have been all year, and if Chris Richards shows up like he did against UCLA, it will be all over. But if Oden can stay on the floor and disrupt the inside play of Florida, block some shots, rebound, and keep the Gator D honest offensively, the Buckeyes have a chance. Problem is, I don't see that happening. The Gator big men are constantly active in all facets of the game, which will cause Oden to equal that activity. He has had trouble staying out of foul trouble all tournament, and this matchup does not lend itself to the breaking of that trend.
With Oden out, the back court is going to have to carry OSU, which they were able to do against the Hoyas. Conley was too quick, and even though they weren't lighting it up from the perimeter, it was obvious the penetrate and kick was creating open looks. I don't see them having this same success against the outstanding defense of the Gators. A lot has been said about Florida, but the most underrated aspect of this team is their team defense. They won't allow Conley to run all over the court like G-Town did.
Look, we can dissect this all we want, but it comes down to one irrefutable fact: the Gators are way too good. They have a champion's mentality. This is what they have been playing for, this is what they came back for. When everyone was freaking out about their late season struggles, they had their eyes on the ultimate prize and it's there for the taking tonight. The Buckeyes will come out jacked up with all of their youthful exuberance, but the Gators' focus and experience is what has been carrying them and what will carry them tonight. What's that you say? You want an exact score? Luckily I have come prepared. The pool that my bracket is in requires a total score for the title game in case of a tie. Florida 73, Ohio State 66. Thank you and good night.
By the way, they are headed to the bottom of the fifth at Safeco and King Felix is just smoking. Seven strikeouts, 1 hit, 64 pitches through five innings. The lineup has been predictably pitiful. Just pitiful. The only hit is by Jose Vidro, which is total fools gold. This is pretty much how the whole year will go. The offense does nothing so Felix has to win it by himself, he gives up a couple of runs and Hargrove panics and takes him out for no reason and inserts Chris Reitsma or some hack who gives up two or three more followed by two or three more from Arthur "I'm still pitching?" Rhodes and before you know it the opposition has put up eight, all the while the offense manages two or three runs on bloop hits, opponent's errors, and one line drive from Ibanez or Ichiro. I can't wait to watch this unfurl tonight, and every other night for the next six months. The good thing about baseball is everyday is a new day and a new chance for victory. The problem is I'm a Mariner fan so there is far less hope for me than for most.
Anyway, you heard my prediction for tonight. It should be a fantastic game to cap off one of the best college basketball seasons in years, mainly due to the presence of superstars as a result of the NBA's age limit. On another day, I will tout the genius of David Stern, but as for today, back to the hopelessness of Mariner baseball.
As for the game tonight, I think we all know what we are going to see. The Gators seem like college basketball's version of the San Antonio Spurs. They make struggle at times, they may seem kind of disinterested for stretches, but they know how to win and make plays when it matters. I don't see any reason why that won't happen tonight. I have Florida winning this game in my bracket and, if you have been following throughout the tournament, you know that I stick with what I've put down. It's worked so far (have I mentioned that I picked the Final Four and its winner exactly right?).
As I said a couple of days ago, these are the two best teams in America. They've proven it over the course of the tournament. I've always said that, despite the shortcomings of the BCS, college football always comes closer to crowning a true national champion than college basketball. This year, the champion of college basketball will be the best team in the nation.
Greg Oden is going to be ridiculously critical to how this game goes. Ohio State was going to beat Georgetown even without the foul-ridden Oden because they were flat-out better. Oden needs to be on the floor so the Gators don't completely dominate on the inside. Noah and Horford will be Noah and Horford, the same guys they have been all year, and if Chris Richards shows up like he did against UCLA, it will be all over. But if Oden can stay on the floor and disrupt the inside play of Florida, block some shots, rebound, and keep the Gator D honest offensively, the Buckeyes have a chance. Problem is, I don't see that happening. The Gator big men are constantly active in all facets of the game, which will cause Oden to equal that activity. He has had trouble staying out of foul trouble all tournament, and this matchup does not lend itself to the breaking of that trend.
With Oden out, the back court is going to have to carry OSU, which they were able to do against the Hoyas. Conley was too quick, and even though they weren't lighting it up from the perimeter, it was obvious the penetrate and kick was creating open looks. I don't see them having this same success against the outstanding defense of the Gators. A lot has been said about Florida, but the most underrated aspect of this team is their team defense. They won't allow Conley to run all over the court like G-Town did.
Look, we can dissect this all we want, but it comes down to one irrefutable fact: the Gators are way too good. They have a champion's mentality. This is what they have been playing for, this is what they came back for. When everyone was freaking out about their late season struggles, they had their eyes on the ultimate prize and it's there for the taking tonight. The Buckeyes will come out jacked up with all of their youthful exuberance, but the Gators' focus and experience is what has been carrying them and what will carry them tonight. What's that you say? You want an exact score? Luckily I have come prepared. The pool that my bracket is in requires a total score for the title game in case of a tie. Florida 73, Ohio State 66. Thank you and good night.
By the way, they are headed to the bottom of the fifth at Safeco and King Felix is just smoking. Seven strikeouts, 1 hit, 64 pitches through five innings. The lineup has been predictably pitiful. Just pitiful. The only hit is by Jose Vidro, which is total fools gold. This is pretty much how the whole year will go. The offense does nothing so Felix has to win it by himself, he gives up a couple of runs and Hargrove panics and takes him out for no reason and inserts Chris Reitsma or some hack who gives up two or three more followed by two or three more from Arthur "I'm still pitching?" Rhodes and before you know it the opposition has put up eight, all the while the offense manages two or three runs on bloop hits, opponent's errors, and one line drive from Ibanez or Ichiro. I can't wait to watch this unfurl tonight, and every other night for the next six months. The good thing about baseball is everyday is a new day and a new chance for victory. The problem is I'm a Mariner fan so there is far less hope for me than for most.
Anyway, you heard my prediction for tonight. It should be a fantastic game to cap off one of the best college basketball seasons in years, mainly due to the presence of superstars as a result of the NBA's age limit. On another day, I will tout the genius of David Stern, but as for today, back to the hopelessness of Mariner baseball.
A New Day
The start of baseball season, more than any other sport, signifies optimism. The "everybody's in first place" mantra couple with the blooming of spring can't help but make the populous feel all bubbly. I woke up today with that feeling of good times. Not only was it the start of Spring Term at the O but the first day of baseball season. It took only a couple of hours for that feeling to wear off.
We are about 15 minutes from the first pitch at Safeco Field four and a half hours up I-5 from my dorm room and my optimism is gone. There is no hope for this year's Mariner team, a realization that I had resigned myself to weeks ago. It wasn't until today, when the games started to actually matter, that this feeling really punched me in the face. The rotation is a mess. Outside of King Felix, we basically have 4 fourth starters (Jarred Washburn, Horacio Ramirez, Jeff Weaver, Miguel Batista). Seriously, who on that list is a legit #2 or, for that matter, a legit #3? Every fifth day when the King is unleashed could be a good day but, other than that, there is little hope.
The lineup is intriguing. Ichiro is gonna do his thang, as will Raul. There could be problems elsewhere. It's just a matter of time before Jose Guillen punches somebody. Jose Lopez has lost all semblance of power. Yuniesky Betancourt never had any. Beltre had a huge spring, which means he will have an equally futile summer. Richie Sexson will get his 35 homers and 100 RBI, but he will also strike out 200 times and hit .220. Johjima will be solid, but he has zero backup, meaning once, maybe twice a week the starting catcher can guarantee Mike Hargrove at least one collar in the lineup.
Sorry for the rush, but I've got to get back for first pitch, as if any of it matters. I may or may not get a title game preview up so let me just leave it at this: Florida is the better team. They have the swagger, the experience, and the horses to take this thing down, just like football. It should be an awesome game. If the M's win, maybe I will be in a good enough mood to enjoy it, though whether they win or not probably won't sway my decided pessimism regarding everything too much. Back with more later on tonight.
We are about 15 minutes from the first pitch at Safeco Field four and a half hours up I-5 from my dorm room and my optimism is gone. There is no hope for this year's Mariner team, a realization that I had resigned myself to weeks ago. It wasn't until today, when the games started to actually matter, that this feeling really punched me in the face. The rotation is a mess. Outside of King Felix, we basically have 4 fourth starters (Jarred Washburn, Horacio Ramirez, Jeff Weaver, Miguel Batista). Seriously, who on that list is a legit #2 or, for that matter, a legit #3? Every fifth day when the King is unleashed could be a good day but, other than that, there is little hope.
The lineup is intriguing. Ichiro is gonna do his thang, as will Raul. There could be problems elsewhere. It's just a matter of time before Jose Guillen punches somebody. Jose Lopez has lost all semblance of power. Yuniesky Betancourt never had any. Beltre had a huge spring, which means he will have an equally futile summer. Richie Sexson will get his 35 homers and 100 RBI, but he will also strike out 200 times and hit .220. Johjima will be solid, but he has zero backup, meaning once, maybe twice a week the starting catcher can guarantee Mike Hargrove at least one collar in the lineup.
Sorry for the rush, but I've got to get back for first pitch, as if any of it matters. I may or may not get a title game preview up so let me just leave it at this: Florida is the better team. They have the swagger, the experience, and the horses to take this thing down, just like football. It should be an awesome game. If the M's win, maybe I will be in a good enough mood to enjoy it, though whether they win or not probably won't sway my decided pessimism regarding everything too much. Back with more later on tonight.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Florida vs. UCLA Recap
Impressive. That's all that can be said about that performance by the defending champs. They kind of flaked out for the last six or seven minutes but other than that it was a supremely business-like victory.
Obviously the big story of the game was Aaron Afflalo. He picked up three early fouls and wasn't a factor at all until he started hitting shots in the last few minutes. It can be argued that they were questionable calls against Afflalo, but frankly I don't think it would have mattered. Brewer played a brilliant game on both ends and if Afflalo was in the game, he wouldn't have made up the difference. It was complete dominance. Al Horford was a manchild on the glass with 17 rebounds. Someone lit a fire under Noah in the second half and we saw that raw and uncontrollable emotion that is going to make him a lot of money. What shocked me was Humphrey getting open looks. I felt that Florida's guards would not have the types of games they did against Oregon because of UCLA's superior perimeter defense, but Brewer and Humphrey both had big games which ended up being the main difference.
It was clear with Afflalo out, UCLA had very few other scoring options and couldn't keep up with the Gators. They were fortunate to be down by only six at the half, and then Florida asserted its dominance and the game was over. The final margin is nowhere near indicative of how the game went in the second half. Florida was the better team, with or without Afflalo.
As far as the future pros, Brewer helped himself the most. His shot was on and his defense was superb as always. Afflalo's first extended playing time was early in the second half and Brewer frustrated him every time down the floor. His versatility is impressive. At times he got matched up against Collison on switches and was able to keep up with his quickness. There are a lot of guards who can't say that. Brewer also made a block on a fast break that displayed his outstanding athleticism. He is certainly a lottery pick. As far as Noah, I still don't necessarily see why he is a top five pick, but I love his fire. I just don't see how his game translates. He doesn't have a go-to offensive move, he can't shoot. His value is on defense and on the glass and I'm not sure that's enough to justify a lottery pick. I love Horford's game. As I said, his performance on the boards was outstanding, and he displays some developing offensive moves. I would rank the three Florida guys 1. Brewer 2. Horford 3. Noah. Afflalo could benefit from another year but I wouldn't blame him for coming out. He has a warrior's mentality but he can back it up on the offensive end, unlike Noah. His defense is solid. Today's game really isn't indicative of the season he has had.
Bottom line is the two best teams are moving on. Preview and prediction tomorrow.
Obviously the big story of the game was Aaron Afflalo. He picked up three early fouls and wasn't a factor at all until he started hitting shots in the last few minutes. It can be argued that they were questionable calls against Afflalo, but frankly I don't think it would have mattered. Brewer played a brilliant game on both ends and if Afflalo was in the game, he wouldn't have made up the difference. It was complete dominance. Al Horford was a manchild on the glass with 17 rebounds. Someone lit a fire under Noah in the second half and we saw that raw and uncontrollable emotion that is going to make him a lot of money. What shocked me was Humphrey getting open looks. I felt that Florida's guards would not have the types of games they did against Oregon because of UCLA's superior perimeter defense, but Brewer and Humphrey both had big games which ended up being the main difference.
It was clear with Afflalo out, UCLA had very few other scoring options and couldn't keep up with the Gators. They were fortunate to be down by only six at the half, and then Florida asserted its dominance and the game was over. The final margin is nowhere near indicative of how the game went in the second half. Florida was the better team, with or without Afflalo.
As far as the future pros, Brewer helped himself the most. His shot was on and his defense was superb as always. Afflalo's first extended playing time was early in the second half and Brewer frustrated him every time down the floor. His versatility is impressive. At times he got matched up against Collison on switches and was able to keep up with his quickness. There are a lot of guards who can't say that. Brewer also made a block on a fast break that displayed his outstanding athleticism. He is certainly a lottery pick. As far as Noah, I still don't necessarily see why he is a top five pick, but I love his fire. I just don't see how his game translates. He doesn't have a go-to offensive move, he can't shoot. His value is on defense and on the glass and I'm not sure that's enough to justify a lottery pick. I love Horford's game. As I said, his performance on the boards was outstanding, and he displays some developing offensive moves. I would rank the three Florida guys 1. Brewer 2. Horford 3. Noah. Afflalo could benefit from another year but I wouldn't blame him for coming out. He has a warrior's mentality but he can back it up on the offensive end, unlike Noah. His defense is solid. Today's game really isn't indicative of the season he has had.
Bottom line is the two best teams are moving on. Preview and prediction tomorrow.
G-Town vs. Ohio State: Second Half
Well, Greg Oden showed up in a big way. He wasn't overly dominant, but there was a clear difference in the game when he was in. Ohio State already had the advantage over the Hoyas without Oden, and his assertiveness was the icing on the cake that put the Buckeyes over the top. Conley wasn't as freakishly awesome in the second half, but he didn't need to be because of Oden's presence, who also noticeably affected Georgetown's offense. The backdoor cuts weren't there because Oden was there waiting.
Hibbert played an outstanding game when he was in, but the foul trouble caught up to him. Jeff Green simply did not show up. It is inexplicable for the Big East Player of the Year to get only five shots and nine points in the biggest game of his life. He should have demanded the ball to go through him on every possession when Hibbert was out. He needed to step up and carry his team but he didn't do it. His draft stock just took a hit in my opinion because this was a situation where he had to shine. Oden stepped up when he finally got on the floor, while Green was on the floor the whole time and wasn't heard from.
All that said, Ohio State was the better team. Their personnel was better and it turned out to be a terrible match-up for Georgetown, who had no answer for Conley's quickness. The Buckeyes are a more well rounded team in terms of overall talent, which was glaring.
Now, on to the rematch!
Hibbert played an outstanding game when he was in, but the foul trouble caught up to him. Jeff Green simply did not show up. It is inexplicable for the Big East Player of the Year to get only five shots and nine points in the biggest game of his life. He should have demanded the ball to go through him on every possession when Hibbert was out. He needed to step up and carry his team but he didn't do it. His draft stock just took a hit in my opinion because this was a situation where he had to shine. Oden stepped up when he finally got on the floor, while Green was on the floor the whole time and wasn't heard from.
All that said, Ohio State was the better team. Their personnel was better and it turned out to be a terrible match-up for Georgetown, who had no answer for Conley's quickness. The Buckeyes are a more well rounded team in terms of overall talent, which was glaring.
Now, on to the rematch!
G-Town vs. Ohio State: First Half
Well, I said foul trouble would be a huge issue for the big men. I also said Hibbert would be the one to get into foul trouble, and that Ohio State would be less affected because of their abundance of talent. I was right on some stuff, wrong on others.
Jeff Green needs to show up. If Hibbert picks up an early third, Green may have to carry the Hoyas offensively. The Buckeyes showed that they have other guys who can step up the scoring with Oden on the bench, but Hibbert means too much to Georgetown on the offensive end, much more than Oden does for OSU. Therefore, when Hibbert is out, the Hoyas are hurting. That said, the scoring is right where Georgetown wants it. They can't beat the Buckeyes in a track meet. This game will be decided in the 50s which exponentially improves the Hoyas chance at victory.
For Ohio State, Mike Conley did what Green could not. As Jim Nantz said, in his infinite wisdom, "Conley is the best player on the floor," and he was right. His 11 points were an unstoppable 11 points because nobody on G-Town can check him. If Oden comes back strong and stays out of foul trouble in the second half, this game is over.
Jeff Green needs to show up. If Hibbert picks up an early third, Green may have to carry the Hoyas offensively. The Buckeyes showed that they have other guys who can step up the scoring with Oden on the bench, but Hibbert means too much to Georgetown on the offensive end, much more than Oden does for OSU. Therefore, when Hibbert is out, the Hoyas are hurting. That said, the scoring is right where Georgetown wants it. They can't beat the Buckeyes in a track meet. This game will be decided in the 50s which exponentially improves the Hoyas chance at victory.
For Ohio State, Mike Conley did what Green could not. As Jim Nantz said, in his infinite wisdom, "Conley is the best player on the floor," and he was right. His 11 points were an unstoppable 11 points because nobody on G-Town can check him. If Oden comes back strong and stays out of foul trouble in the second half, this game is over.
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Eve of Judgement Day
Has it ever been okay to get this jacked up for the Final Four? Last year's Final Four was exciting for the sole reason that George Mason was in it. No one cared about Florida, UCLA, or LSU. All of the hype going in was for Mason even though everyone knew they had very little chance at winning the whole thing. This year is a totally different monster. It's hard to know where to start, but somehow it's all been covered. There's the rematch of last year's title game (though this year's matchup promises to be better), the meeting of big, big men, the return to prominence of one of the nation's most prestigious programs, and on and on and on, not to mention the emerging Billy Donavon-Kentucky storyline. It wouldn't be difficult to argue that these four teams are the best four teams in the country. Last year, it wouldn't have been difficult to argue that none of the Final Four teams were among the four best in the country.
That's what makes tomorrow so special. The best are taking on the best. The knock against the NCAA tournament is that it rarely crowns America's best team as champion. Instead, it basically hands the trophy to the pretty good team that gets hot at the right time. This year, the team that emerges with the title will be America's best college basketball team. I am way too jacked up for tomorrow. It's going to be hard to concentrate during my 18-mile run tomorrow because of what awaits me when I finish: the greatest Final Four of my lifetime. I'll have a full recap tomorrow.
That's what makes tomorrow so special. The best are taking on the best. The knock against the NCAA tournament is that it rarely crowns America's best team as champion. Instead, it basically hands the trophy to the pretty good team that gets hot at the right time. This year, the team that emerges with the title will be America's best college basketball team. I am way too jacked up for tomorrow. It's going to be hard to concentrate during my 18-mile run tomorrow because of what awaits me when I finish: the greatest Final Four of my lifetime. I'll have a full recap tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What will happen on Saturday: Part 2
Looking back on my last post, I realize that it came across as an endless rant about how fouls affect the play of big men, leading to a completely pointless conclusion that whether Hibbert, Oden, both, or neither get into foul trouble, Ohio State will win. Sorry for wasting you time, but trust me on the pick. Ohio State advances. Now on to the main event.
Florida vs. UCLA
Oh baby! This one has me excited. Really excited. I thought I was excited after Blair Phillips blocked the game-winning field goal attempt against Oklahoma, and I was, but that wasn't as prolonged as this one. I am jacked for this game.
On UCLA's side, they are on a serious role. Although the Kansas game was relatively close, it was clear who was the better team. This UCLA team is better than last year's. Aaron Afflalo has emerged as one of the best players in America. Darren Collison is the glue and he is better suited to Ben Howland basketball (or "BenBall" as some refer to it as) than Jordan Farmar was. This team was the most consistent team in the country up until their last two games leading up to the Dance (losses to Washington and Cal). For the entire year I was touting the Bruins as the best team in America, even after they came to Eugene and left with an L. On Florida's side, they have the championship swagger and the experience. However, I think the experience cancels out because UCLA was here last year also. It was an advantage up until now against Jackson State, Purdue, Butler, and Oregon but UCLA has been there, done that. As far as the swagger goes, UCLA has it just as much as Florida. The Gators are not playing with the attitude that they did during last year's tournament, and UCLA is coming off a dominant performance against the uber-talented Jayhawks.
So how do these teams match-up? Florida beat Oregon with solid perimeter play. Green and Humphrey played outstanding and were knocking down their shots. However, UCLA is the best perimeter defensive team in America. They will not allow Florida's guards to get the looks they did against Oregon, who inexplicably continued to go under ball screens. UCLA won't do that. Florida will have to win this game with Noah, Horford, and the rest of their big men. They have been good in the tournament, but nowhere near as good as they can be. Maybe they don't have the same fire as they did last year. Maybe they are on the verge of completely exploding for huge games in Atlanta. The bottom line is they haven't played like they can, and they are going to have to step up big time to beat the Bruins. Florida's advantage is down low and they will need to utilize that to win because, as good as UCLA is, they have nothing for Noah and Horford. Matta, Aboya, and Mbah-Moute are serviceable but not on their level.
In my bracket, I have Florida winning this game (have I mentioned that I picked all four Final Four teams?) and I am going to stick with, though I am nowhere near as confident in the pick as I was at the beginning of the tournament. I love where UCLA is at and I haven't been overly impressed with how Florida has played thus far. Frankly, if I hadn't filled out a bracket I might pick UCLA in this one. But I'm sticking to my guns and going with Florida. I think Noah and Horford will have solid games. It will be close all the way to the end. As I said a couple of days ago, UCLA games will always be close because of the Bruins' style of play. Florida will have just enough, and they will move on to face Ohio State in the title game.
Yup, Florida-Ohio State. Just like football. Obviously, I am not going to make a pick for that match-up because it isn't even official yet. What's the point in making predictions for a game that may or may not happen? Yeah, I know, ESPN did it with their remarkably pointless fictitious college football playoff but I'm not as cool as them so I can't do it. Just take it to the bank. Florida-Ohio State.
Florida vs. UCLA
Oh baby! This one has me excited. Really excited. I thought I was excited after Blair Phillips blocked the game-winning field goal attempt against Oklahoma, and I was, but that wasn't as prolonged as this one. I am jacked for this game.
On UCLA's side, they are on a serious role. Although the Kansas game was relatively close, it was clear who was the better team. This UCLA team is better than last year's. Aaron Afflalo has emerged as one of the best players in America. Darren Collison is the glue and he is better suited to Ben Howland basketball (or "BenBall" as some refer to it as) than Jordan Farmar was. This team was the most consistent team in the country up until their last two games leading up to the Dance (losses to Washington and Cal). For the entire year I was touting the Bruins as the best team in America, even after they came to Eugene and left with an L. On Florida's side, they have the championship swagger and the experience. However, I think the experience cancels out because UCLA was here last year also. It was an advantage up until now against Jackson State, Purdue, Butler, and Oregon but UCLA has been there, done that. As far as the swagger goes, UCLA has it just as much as Florida. The Gators are not playing with the attitude that they did during last year's tournament, and UCLA is coming off a dominant performance against the uber-talented Jayhawks.
So how do these teams match-up? Florida beat Oregon with solid perimeter play. Green and Humphrey played outstanding and were knocking down their shots. However, UCLA is the best perimeter defensive team in America. They will not allow Florida's guards to get the looks they did against Oregon, who inexplicably continued to go under ball screens. UCLA won't do that. Florida will have to win this game with Noah, Horford, and the rest of their big men. They have been good in the tournament, but nowhere near as good as they can be. Maybe they don't have the same fire as they did last year. Maybe they are on the verge of completely exploding for huge games in Atlanta. The bottom line is they haven't played like they can, and they are going to have to step up big time to beat the Bruins. Florida's advantage is down low and they will need to utilize that to win because, as good as UCLA is, they have nothing for Noah and Horford. Matta, Aboya, and Mbah-Moute are serviceable but not on their level.
In my bracket, I have Florida winning this game (have I mentioned that I picked all four Final Four teams?) and I am going to stick with, though I am nowhere near as confident in the pick as I was at the beginning of the tournament. I love where UCLA is at and I haven't been overly impressed with how Florida has played thus far. Frankly, if I hadn't filled out a bracket I might pick UCLA in this one. But I'm sticking to my guns and going with Florida. I think Noah and Horford will have solid games. It will be close all the way to the end. As I said a couple of days ago, UCLA games will always be close because of the Bruins' style of play. Florida will have just enough, and they will move on to face Ohio State in the title game.
Yup, Florida-Ohio State. Just like football. Obviously, I am not going to make a pick for that match-up because it isn't even official yet. What's the point in making predictions for a game that may or may not happen? Yeah, I know, ESPN did it with their remarkably pointless fictitious college football playoff but I'm not as cool as them so I can't do it. Just take it to the bank. Florida-Ohio State.
What will happen on Saturday
As I have made abundantly clear, I picked all four Final Four teams correctly. I have been flaunting my bracket prediction prowess about for the past couple of days, and as a result I believe that my predictions for Saturdays games are valid. You should listen. What I say in the ensuing paragraphs is gold. Treat it as such.
Georgetown vs. Ohio State
The sexyness of this matchup cannot be overestimated. Greg Oden and Roy Hibbert may be the most legit centers in the country. In college, a lot of teams play 6-8, 6-9, or 6-10 guys at center because that's all they've got. These guys are centers and will be at the next level. The key here will be foul trouble. Bill Simmons, whether you like him or not, made a great point a couple of weeks ago regarding foul trouble in college basketball. Though the proportion of game minutes to fouls is the same in college as in the NBA (1 foul for every 8 minutes), foul trouble is much more of an issue at the college level. If a guy gets two first half fouls in college, he is crippled for not only the rest of the half (if he isn't on the bench) but for the second half as well because a third foul would be a death wish. In the NBA, a guy can get three first half fouls and still be far from serious trouble. Frankly, a pro isn't in trouble until he gets five, and even that can be argued because getting a sixth foul is difficult. The point is that one of these guys will get into foul trouble. The question is: which one? My money is on Hibbert, for a couple of reasons. First, Oden, though he has gotten into foul trouble a lot in the tournament, is a fabulous defender and is adept at avoiding cheap fouls that plague big men. If he commits a foul, it's a legit foul, not a nickel-dimer. Hibbert is more likely to commit a foul he doesn't need to, like clobbering a guy on a drive trying to block a shot instead of simply trying to affect the shot like Oden does. Also, since Jeff Green is option #1 for the Hoyas, Hibbert won't be asked to do a ton on offense. On the other hand, the Buckeye offense is better when Oden gets touches. Hibbert will have to play more one-on-one defense and hence will see more foul possibilities. There you go. I have inconclusively proven that Hibbert will get into foul trouble.
However, even if Oden gets into foul trouble, the Buckeyes might still be in good shape. Remember, they were a top five team before Oden was playing. They went toe-to-toe with Carolina at Carolina. If Oden sits, there is still enough talent to stay in the game. Throughout the tournament, the Buckeyes have been solid when Oden has been in foul trouble. Jeff Green is a great player, and I would love to see him in a Blazer uniform next year, but he would be asked to carry G-Town with Hibbert on the bench, while the Buckeyes have a handful of guys who can pick up the scoring if Oden is out. Where Oden's presence would really be missed would be on the defensive end, but if OSU can make it an up and down game without Oden on the floor, that would cancel out Oden's absence.
I like Ohio State to win. They have more talent up and down the roster if one of their studs goes cold. Foul trouble amongst the big men will be a big issue, but Ohio State is more prepared to deal with it if Oden is out. Take it to the bank! OSU in the title game!
Florida-UCLA later.
Georgetown vs. Ohio State
The sexyness of this matchup cannot be overestimated. Greg Oden and Roy Hibbert may be the most legit centers in the country. In college, a lot of teams play 6-8, 6-9, or 6-10 guys at center because that's all they've got. These guys are centers and will be at the next level. The key here will be foul trouble. Bill Simmons, whether you like him or not, made a great point a couple of weeks ago regarding foul trouble in college basketball. Though the proportion of game minutes to fouls is the same in college as in the NBA (1 foul for every 8 minutes), foul trouble is much more of an issue at the college level. If a guy gets two first half fouls in college, he is crippled for not only the rest of the half (if he isn't on the bench) but for the second half as well because a third foul would be a death wish. In the NBA, a guy can get three first half fouls and still be far from serious trouble. Frankly, a pro isn't in trouble until he gets five, and even that can be argued because getting a sixth foul is difficult. The point is that one of these guys will get into foul trouble. The question is: which one? My money is on Hibbert, for a couple of reasons. First, Oden, though he has gotten into foul trouble a lot in the tournament, is a fabulous defender and is adept at avoiding cheap fouls that plague big men. If he commits a foul, it's a legit foul, not a nickel-dimer. Hibbert is more likely to commit a foul he doesn't need to, like clobbering a guy on a drive trying to block a shot instead of simply trying to affect the shot like Oden does. Also, since Jeff Green is option #1 for the Hoyas, Hibbert won't be asked to do a ton on offense. On the other hand, the Buckeye offense is better when Oden gets touches. Hibbert will have to play more one-on-one defense and hence will see more foul possibilities. There you go. I have inconclusively proven that Hibbert will get into foul trouble.
However, even if Oden gets into foul trouble, the Buckeyes might still be in good shape. Remember, they were a top five team before Oden was playing. They went toe-to-toe with Carolina at Carolina. If Oden sits, there is still enough talent to stay in the game. Throughout the tournament, the Buckeyes have been solid when Oden has been in foul trouble. Jeff Green is a great player, and I would love to see him in a Blazer uniform next year, but he would be asked to carry G-Town with Hibbert on the bench, while the Buckeyes have a handful of guys who can pick up the scoring if Oden is out. Where Oden's presence would really be missed would be on the defensive end, but if OSU can make it an up and down game without Oden on the floor, that would cancel out Oden's absence.
I like Ohio State to win. They have more talent up and down the roster if one of their studs goes cold. Foul trouble amongst the big men will be a big issue, but Ohio State is more prepared to deal with it if Oden is out. Take it to the bank! OSU in the title game!
Florida-UCLA later.
Monday, March 26, 2007
So......that's it.
There is a scene in the movie Deep Impact in which the president (played amazingly by Morgan Freeman) goes on the air and informs the United States that the Titan missiles they sent up to deflect an asteroid headed for earth have failed. He completes his announcement with a very simple "So, that's it." That's pretty much how I felt after yesterdays game.
Many may point to missed opportunities. The Ducks went stride for stride against a team they had no right to go stride for stride with. For the most part, Florida played into Oregon's hands. I was fairly certain that the Gators would pound pound pound until the Oregon frontline lay on the court in submission. In fact, they sort of played into the hands of the smaller, less burly Ducks. The Gators won with great games from Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey. The Ducks wanted to make it about the backcourt play because if it came down to the big men, Oregon would have no shot. The Ducks were in foul trouble but not in horrible foul trouble until the last couple of minutes when guys began fouling out. In short, the game was played how it had to be played for Oregon to win.
In the end, it wasn't meant to be. Sure we could point to the rebounding edge but that was no shock. Oregon would never ever outrebound Florida if they played a million times. That was no big deal. We could point to the 43-16 edge Florida had in free throw attempts but, again, that was to be expected. Oregon had to spend fouls and make the Gator bigs knock down foul shots in order to prevent easy buckets every time down. This strategy was accentuated by the fact that Adam Zahn and Ray Schafer actually saw the floor late in the first half. The free throws were inconsequential. We could point to the frighteningly bad night Tajuan Porter had but that's the nature of a streaky shooter. He got the shots he wanted but they just weren't falling. Bummer. He wasn't going to be hitting like he was against the Rebels. Plus, Malik Hairston played one of his best games of the year. He wouldn't have had that kind of game if Porter were on. Brooks also showed up in a big way to supplement the lost points from TP.
The bottom line is Oregon was outclassed on the floor. Florida is really good. Oregon played well, it just wasn't meant to be. No excuses. Congrats to Florida. Heck, I had them winning this game in my bracket. I also had UCLA, Ohio State, and Georgetown in the Final Four. That's right! Four for Four baby! I won't lie, it's a nice ego stroke.
This Final Four might be the most intriguing in recent memory. On the one hand, we've got a rematch of last year's title game. Really, not much needs to be said about Florida v. UCLA. Florida has experience, they have a swagger, they have four first round draft picks. UCLA has the best defense in the country, they have Ben Howland, they have UCLA across the chest. We couldn't ask for a better match-up. In the other game, we have the ridiculous head-to-head of Greg Oden and Roy Hibbert, two legit 7-footers who will be playing in the league. We have the #1 team in the polls with an insane amount of talent up and down the roster going up against the reemergence of Hoya Paranoia. I don't know which game is better. All I know is I am jacked for Saturday.
Since I was four for four in picking the Final Four, I am going to go ahead and consider my predictions on these two games worth paying attention to. Did I mention I picked not one, not two, not three, but all four of the Final Four teams? Yeah, you should probably listen to what I have to say on this issue because, more likely than not, I'm right. But I'm gonna leave you hanging. Tomorrow, I will tell you who is going to win on Saturday. Since it's pretty much a lock that it's going to be correct (since I picked all four Final Four team and all, I suggest those of you who want to be surprised stay away from the Zoo for a little while. At least until after Saturday. For those of you who want to make some money, come back tomorrow so you can promptly make your bets afterward.
Many may point to missed opportunities. The Ducks went stride for stride against a team they had no right to go stride for stride with. For the most part, Florida played into Oregon's hands. I was fairly certain that the Gators would pound pound pound until the Oregon frontline lay on the court in submission. In fact, they sort of played into the hands of the smaller, less burly Ducks. The Gators won with great games from Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey. The Ducks wanted to make it about the backcourt play because if it came down to the big men, Oregon would have no shot. The Ducks were in foul trouble but not in horrible foul trouble until the last couple of minutes when guys began fouling out. In short, the game was played how it had to be played for Oregon to win.
In the end, it wasn't meant to be. Sure we could point to the rebounding edge but that was no shock. Oregon would never ever outrebound Florida if they played a million times. That was no big deal. We could point to the 43-16 edge Florida had in free throw attempts but, again, that was to be expected. Oregon had to spend fouls and make the Gator bigs knock down foul shots in order to prevent easy buckets every time down. This strategy was accentuated by the fact that Adam Zahn and Ray Schafer actually saw the floor late in the first half. The free throws were inconsequential. We could point to the frighteningly bad night Tajuan Porter had but that's the nature of a streaky shooter. He got the shots he wanted but they just weren't falling. Bummer. He wasn't going to be hitting like he was against the Rebels. Plus, Malik Hairston played one of his best games of the year. He wouldn't have had that kind of game if Porter were on. Brooks also showed up in a big way to supplement the lost points from TP.
The bottom line is Oregon was outclassed on the floor. Florida is really good. Oregon played well, it just wasn't meant to be. No excuses. Congrats to Florida. Heck, I had them winning this game in my bracket. I also had UCLA, Ohio State, and Georgetown in the Final Four. That's right! Four for Four baby! I won't lie, it's a nice ego stroke.
This Final Four might be the most intriguing in recent memory. On the one hand, we've got a rematch of last year's title game. Really, not much needs to be said about Florida v. UCLA. Florida has experience, they have a swagger, they have four first round draft picks. UCLA has the best defense in the country, they have Ben Howland, they have UCLA across the chest. We couldn't ask for a better match-up. In the other game, we have the ridiculous head-to-head of Greg Oden and Roy Hibbert, two legit 7-footers who will be playing in the league. We have the #1 team in the polls with an insane amount of talent up and down the roster going up against the reemergence of Hoya Paranoia. I don't know which game is better. All I know is I am jacked for Saturday.
Since I was four for four in picking the Final Four, I am going to go ahead and consider my predictions on these two games worth paying attention to. Did I mention I picked not one, not two, not three, but all four of the Final Four teams? Yeah, you should probably listen to what I have to say on this issue because, more likely than not, I'm right. But I'm gonna leave you hanging. Tomorrow, I will tell you who is going to win on Saturday. Since it's pretty much a lock that it's going to be correct (since I picked all four Final Four team and all, I suggest those of you who want to be surprised stay away from the Zoo for a little while. At least until after Saturday. For those of you who want to make some money, come back tomorrow so you can promptly make your bets afterward.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
So Sweet to be Elite
Despite Maarty Leunen's best attempts to completely give the game away, the Ducks march on with a victory over the Runnin' Rebels. Aaron Brooks was absent, as was Bryce Taylor, but Tajuan Porter showed up in a big way to lead the O into a showdown with the defending champs. The last couple of minutes really pissed me off for a couple of reasons. First of all, we had an opportunity to really make a statement by closing out the game and winning by about 20. Instead, we try to run out the clock and Vegas all of a sudden gets hot and we win by four. I'm not mad, just irritated. Honestly, what the hell was up with Maarty Leunen. In a two minute span, he committed three turnovers, missed two free throws, and gave up an offensive rebound that led to a Rebel bucket. It reminded me of the days of Ian Crosswhite trying to give games away for the Ducks two years ago. Anyway, we won so take that Maarty and whoever paid him off.
I went for a two hour, 16-mile run this morning to try and figure out how the Ducks can win on Sunday and I couldn't figure it out. Oregon's two starting big men (Leunen and Malik Hairston) aren't quick enough to hang with Joakim Noah and aren't strong enough to hang with Al Horford. I could see Joevan Catron checking Horford for a period of time but I could also see him getting into immediate foul trouble. There are some fouls to give off the bench with Mitch Platt, Ray Schafer, and Adam Zahn but they are complete liabilities on offense. If Leunen and Catron, the only legit and effective big men, get in foul trouble, the Ducks are done. As far as the perimeter, I wouldn't be surprised to see Corey Brewer on Brooks to start the game. Brooks struggled against UNLV and will probably be looking for his shot early. If they put a long, athletic guy like Brewer on him early, it could frustrate Aaron and neutralize him like he was against Vegas. That would leave it up to Porter to hit long threes to keep Oregon in it, which may work against UNLV but it won't work against the defending national champions. This game may look a lot like the last time Oregon was in an Elite 8 when they lost to Kansas in 2002. The Ducks stayed in it for about a half before KU imposed their will with outstanding inside play and rebounding in the second half. That's probably what will happen tomorrow.
Another issue could be the absolute shock of facing a good team. Oregon's last five games have looked something like this: Cal, an exhausted USC team, Miami (OH), Winthrop, UNLV. Not exactly world beaters. The game before Cal was Arizona and the game before Arizona was Oregon State. The last time Oregon played a game against real competition was Feb 22 and 24 against the Washington schools. It may be difficult to adjust to playing a team that has Oregon completely overmatched.
As for the games today, does it get any better? Both could literally go either way. Memphis showed the nation a little somethin-somethin by beating A&M. So did Ohio State by overcoming a huge deficit against Tennessee. I like Ohio State to advance in a close one. The other game could end up being a classic. Neither team will run away from the other. UCLA won't allow it because of the defense they play and Kansas won't allow it because of their insane level of talent at every position. I picked UCLA to win this game in my bracket and I'm sticking with it because the game is in San Jose and Ben Howland can outcoach Bill Self. This is not a Pac-10 homer pick. I don't like UCLA. Not on the level that I hate Oregon State or Washington. I'm just jealous of UCLA's success and the fact that Kevin Love jilted the O for Westwood. I respect the Bruins, but I don't necessarily want to see them win. I do see them winning tonight though.
Speaking of Pac-10, I know I should have been rooting for USC last night but I was not. Part of it was for the same reason I won't exactly be rooting for UCLA tonight. But the other reason was the possibility of a North Carolina-Georgetown match-up 25 years later. For a 19 year old, I happen to be in touch with my historical side and it would be sweet to see the two teams on the floor with John Thompson, Patrick Ewing, and all the G-Town alumns in the house along with the UNC guys like Dean Smith and maybe James Worthy, Sam Perkins, and, dare I say, His Airness himself? I get chills thinking about it. I have the Hoyas in Atlanta in my bracket so I'm picking them in this one, though I had them playing the Hook 'Ems in tomorrows game. I know, total brain fart. I was under the impression that Kevin Durant would somehow be able to overcome Rick Barnes' "coaching" and lead them on a Carmelo-esque run. I forgot that Durant probably trusts Barnes to an extent and will do what he tells him to do which eliminates any possibility of Texas winning anything. My Final Four teams are still alive (Florida, UCLA, G-Town, Ohio State) and I still think they will all advance.
For those of you who have missed it, the Blazers have surpassed their win total from two years ago and are now 4-0 without Zach Randolph. If this learning curve continues, the Blazers are a solid playoff team in two years. They have the Rookie of the Year in Brandon Roy, the second best rookie in the league in Lamarcus Aldridge (he put up 27 and 14 last night), a coach who I trust, and an abundance of other young talent. Not to mention one of the best young front office guys in the league (Kevin Pritchard). I will jump off the Autzen Footbridge if he isn't hired as the new GM. It's not that big of a leap and there's no chance I would actually die but I would be badly bruised so it would make a nice statement. By the way, I want Jeff Green in a Blazer uniform next year. My second choice would be Al Thornton. I have a soft spot for guys who have had solid college careers. That's why I liked Carmelo over Lebron, Bogut over Marvin Williams, and Brandon Roy over everybody. It's the same reason I don't like Josh McRoberts, Brandon Wright, Hasheem Thabeet, Spencer Hawes, and anybody else who has a fabulous "upside." Give me ready-made talent who can contribute and are used to leading a team over a guy who may be a specimen but has never been "the guy" at a high-level and has never been looked to in a big situation to win a game. Brandon Roy is Portland's go-to guy in big spots. He takes all the big shots and has single-handedly won at least four or five games this year with his clutch play late in games this year. Long story short, I like college players. I like guys who have won conference player of the year awards, have been first-team all-Americans, and guys who have been the best players on their team.
I went for a two hour, 16-mile run this morning to try and figure out how the Ducks can win on Sunday and I couldn't figure it out. Oregon's two starting big men (Leunen and Malik Hairston) aren't quick enough to hang with Joakim Noah and aren't strong enough to hang with Al Horford. I could see Joevan Catron checking Horford for a period of time but I could also see him getting into immediate foul trouble. There are some fouls to give off the bench with Mitch Platt, Ray Schafer, and Adam Zahn but they are complete liabilities on offense. If Leunen and Catron, the only legit and effective big men, get in foul trouble, the Ducks are done. As far as the perimeter, I wouldn't be surprised to see Corey Brewer on Brooks to start the game. Brooks struggled against UNLV and will probably be looking for his shot early. If they put a long, athletic guy like Brewer on him early, it could frustrate Aaron and neutralize him like he was against Vegas. That would leave it up to Porter to hit long threes to keep Oregon in it, which may work against UNLV but it won't work against the defending national champions. This game may look a lot like the last time Oregon was in an Elite 8 when they lost to Kansas in 2002. The Ducks stayed in it for about a half before KU imposed their will with outstanding inside play and rebounding in the second half. That's probably what will happen tomorrow.
Another issue could be the absolute shock of facing a good team. Oregon's last five games have looked something like this: Cal, an exhausted USC team, Miami (OH), Winthrop, UNLV. Not exactly world beaters. The game before Cal was Arizona and the game before Arizona was Oregon State. The last time Oregon played a game against real competition was Feb 22 and 24 against the Washington schools. It may be difficult to adjust to playing a team that has Oregon completely overmatched.
As for the games today, does it get any better? Both could literally go either way. Memphis showed the nation a little somethin-somethin by beating A&M. So did Ohio State by overcoming a huge deficit against Tennessee. I like Ohio State to advance in a close one. The other game could end up being a classic. Neither team will run away from the other. UCLA won't allow it because of the defense they play and Kansas won't allow it because of their insane level of talent at every position. I picked UCLA to win this game in my bracket and I'm sticking with it because the game is in San Jose and Ben Howland can outcoach Bill Self. This is not a Pac-10 homer pick. I don't like UCLA. Not on the level that I hate Oregon State or Washington. I'm just jealous of UCLA's success and the fact that Kevin Love jilted the O for Westwood. I respect the Bruins, but I don't necessarily want to see them win. I do see them winning tonight though.
Speaking of Pac-10, I know I should have been rooting for USC last night but I was not. Part of it was for the same reason I won't exactly be rooting for UCLA tonight. But the other reason was the possibility of a North Carolina-Georgetown match-up 25 years later. For a 19 year old, I happen to be in touch with my historical side and it would be sweet to see the two teams on the floor with John Thompson, Patrick Ewing, and all the G-Town alumns in the house along with the UNC guys like Dean Smith and maybe James Worthy, Sam Perkins, and, dare I say, His Airness himself? I get chills thinking about it. I have the Hoyas in Atlanta in my bracket so I'm picking them in this one, though I had them playing the Hook 'Ems in tomorrows game. I know, total brain fart. I was under the impression that Kevin Durant would somehow be able to overcome Rick Barnes' "coaching" and lead them on a Carmelo-esque run. I forgot that Durant probably trusts Barnes to an extent and will do what he tells him to do which eliminates any possibility of Texas winning anything. My Final Four teams are still alive (Florida, UCLA, G-Town, Ohio State) and I still think they will all advance.
For those of you who have missed it, the Blazers have surpassed their win total from two years ago and are now 4-0 without Zach Randolph. If this learning curve continues, the Blazers are a solid playoff team in two years. They have the Rookie of the Year in Brandon Roy, the second best rookie in the league in Lamarcus Aldridge (he put up 27 and 14 last night), a coach who I trust, and an abundance of other young talent. Not to mention one of the best young front office guys in the league (Kevin Pritchard). I will jump off the Autzen Footbridge if he isn't hired as the new GM. It's not that big of a leap and there's no chance I would actually die but I would be badly bruised so it would make a nice statement. By the way, I want Jeff Green in a Blazer uniform next year. My second choice would be Al Thornton. I have a soft spot for guys who have had solid college careers. That's why I liked Carmelo over Lebron, Bogut over Marvin Williams, and Brandon Roy over everybody. It's the same reason I don't like Josh McRoberts, Brandon Wright, Hasheem Thabeet, Spencer Hawes, and anybody else who has a fabulous "upside." Give me ready-made talent who can contribute and are used to leading a team over a guy who may be a specimen but has never been "the guy" at a high-level and has never been looked to in a big situation to win a game. Brandon Roy is Portland's go-to guy in big spots. He takes all the big shots and has single-handedly won at least four or five games this year with his clutch play late in games this year. Long story short, I like college players. I like guys who have won conference player of the year awards, have been first-team all-Americans, and guys who have been the best players on their team.
Friday, March 23, 2007
The Past Five Days
Sorry about the delay. Finals week has been hell. I never want to hear about the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus ever again. In case you're wondering, there are two parts to it. The first states: Let a function f be integrable on [a,b]. Set F(x) equal to the integral from 1 to x of the the function f(t)dt for some x on [a,b]. If f is continuous at some point c on [a,b] then F is differentiable at c and the derivative of F(c)=f(c). The second part is far less important because you need to know that anti-derivative of a function before utlizing it. Anyway, that's why you come to this blog.
Much has happened since the O's glorious win over the Winthrop juggernaut that everyone and their dog was falling for. Now the same is happening with with UNLV. Who could blame the pundits for jumping on the Rebels? Tarkanian is a great coach. They are loaded with talented guys like Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony, and Stacey Augmon, and they might just go undefeated. Oh wait.....that was like 15 years ago? Than what's the big deal? Oh, that's right, Lon Krueger is their coach. You remember Lon Krueger. He's another one of those Mike Montgomery-Rick Pitino-Tim Floyd types who thought their semi-success in college could parlay them into being the next Red freaking Auerbach. He's some kind of genius, so much so that Oregon has no shot against the Rebs. Not to mention the fact that they also have Kevin Krueger. What's the only thing more difficult than matching up with one Krueger? Matching up with two of them! Let's forget that Oregon went 8-5 against tourney teams. Sure, UNLV went 5-2 but their tourney teams have combined for one win in the Dance while Oregon's have combined for 13. It won't be a walk tonight, but I don't see Oregon losing. Not at this point. They'll get throttled by Florida but not by UNLV.
In other news, Josh McRoberts is headed to the NBA. What has the world come to? The worst part is somebody is actually going to draft this guy. I am no Duke hater. I like Coach K and I respect the program so don't view this as some anti-Duke view of the world. McRoberts is a stiff. He is 6-10 but has no go-to offensive move, can't play the post-up game, doesn't rebound, has no range (which you would hope for from a big guy who can't play big), very little defensive give-a-crap....in short, I feel bad for whoever drafts this guy. Speaking of which, Draft Express currently has J-Mac getting picked at #18 by Philly. Wow, that's great for the Sixers. Now they'll have not one but two Shavlik Randolphs, except this one is going to cost them a first round pick. Seriously, if Billy King drafts McRoberts, he should be forced to stand naked atop the Rocky statue banging a skillet with a wooden spoon chanting "I drafted Josh." Come to think of it, anybody who makes that pick should be relegated to that fate. Anybody who wants Josh McRoberts need look no further than Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Jeff Green, Julian Wright, Corey Brewer, and Al Thornton as guy who could do McRoberts' job about 1000 times better than McRoberts. I can't wait to see J-Mac starring in next season's D-league all-star game. He's the next Pops Mensah-Bonsuh!
As expected, Rick Barnes completed his "Sabatoging of Kevin Durant's career" mission by sitting idly by while USC's second half lead grew and grew and grew.....and grew and grew to 17 before he had the sense to call a timeout. I don't have the gamelog in front of me but it basically went "Texas turnover, USC lay-up, Texas miss, USC lay-up, Texas turnover, USC three-pointer" for about 6 minutes. This whole time, Barnes has a terrified look on his face as if to say "I sure hope nobody notices that I'm doing a better job of tanking this game than the Milwaukee Bucks are of tanking the rest of their season." Seriously though, Barnes is an outstanding recruiter. He has had top 5 talent every year. Look at some of the players he has coached: PJ Tucker, Lamarcus Aldridge, TJ Ford, Daniel Gibson, Kevin Durant, etc. Give that kind of talent to Tom Izzo and he's got two titles. With Rick Barnes, simply put, you don't have two titles. At this point, the University of Texas pretty much recruits itself. Anybody who has been to Austin knows what I'm talking about. At this point, I would seriously think about going another direction if I'm the UT brass. Look at all the quality coaches jumping ship. Steve Alford to New Mexico? Tubby Smith to Minnesota? These guys are leaving plum real estate for a studio apartment. There has got to be somebody out there (Tony Bennet, Chris Lowery, Mark Few?) who would be willing to take a job with the Hook 'Ems.
I think it might be time the NCAA ditches the domes for regional finals. They are necessary for the Final Four but not for anything else. Anyone remember last year in Atlanta for the Duke-LSU-Texas-West Virginia region. That place was dead, half-full, and dead some more. Same for Minneapolis for Florida-Villanova-Boston College-Georgetown. Meanwhile, the environments in Oakland and DC were electric. How about this year? The best game of the tournament so far has been Tennessee-Ohio State, but the Alamodome was about half-full for the amazing last ten minutes. Some of the problems could be that a) Tennessee didn't have any fans at the game, b) all the A&M fans left after the Aggies lost, and c) the game ended past people's bed times. Those are all valid. Hey, another reason might be that the game was being played in a cavernous behemouth meant for football!! As I said, they need it for the Final Four, which, like the Super Bowl, will draw not matter what. But the regional semi-finals and finals don't need that much leg room. The atmosphere suffers, the experience suffers. If you don't believe me, watch the games tonight. I'll bet my bottom dollar that the Meadowlands will be alive and then some, while the atmosphere at the Edward Jones Dome will suffer because of the echoes from all the crickets. See if you can't tell the difference.
By the way, I like Florida big over Butler, Oregon comfortably but not in a blow-out over former Blazer great Greg Anthony's alma-mater, Carolina to have way too much talent for the Conquest, and Georgetown to stay hot over Vandy. Yes, I picked all the higher seeds. Sue me. It has worked out pretty well so far this tournament. Remember when I was giving suggestions for picking the bracket and I told you to not chase Cinderella and play it safe? Damage control? I was right. Just thought I'd throw that in.
Much has happened since the O's glorious win over the Winthrop juggernaut that everyone and their dog was falling for. Now the same is happening with with UNLV. Who could blame the pundits for jumping on the Rebels? Tarkanian is a great coach. They are loaded with talented guys like Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony, and Stacey Augmon, and they might just go undefeated. Oh wait.....that was like 15 years ago? Than what's the big deal? Oh, that's right, Lon Krueger is their coach. You remember Lon Krueger. He's another one of those Mike Montgomery-Rick Pitino-Tim Floyd types who thought their semi-success in college could parlay them into being the next Red freaking Auerbach. He's some kind of genius, so much so that Oregon has no shot against the Rebs. Not to mention the fact that they also have Kevin Krueger. What's the only thing more difficult than matching up with one Krueger? Matching up with two of them! Let's forget that Oregon went 8-5 against tourney teams. Sure, UNLV went 5-2 but their tourney teams have combined for one win in the Dance while Oregon's have combined for 13. It won't be a walk tonight, but I don't see Oregon losing. Not at this point. They'll get throttled by Florida but not by UNLV.
In other news, Josh McRoberts is headed to the NBA. What has the world come to? The worst part is somebody is actually going to draft this guy. I am no Duke hater. I like Coach K and I respect the program so don't view this as some anti-Duke view of the world. McRoberts is a stiff. He is 6-10 but has no go-to offensive move, can't play the post-up game, doesn't rebound, has no range (which you would hope for from a big guy who can't play big), very little defensive give-a-crap....in short, I feel bad for whoever drafts this guy. Speaking of which, Draft Express currently has J-Mac getting picked at #18 by Philly. Wow, that's great for the Sixers. Now they'll have not one but two Shavlik Randolphs, except this one is going to cost them a first round pick. Seriously, if Billy King drafts McRoberts, he should be forced to stand naked atop the Rocky statue banging a skillet with a wooden spoon chanting "I drafted Josh." Come to think of it, anybody who makes that pick should be relegated to that fate. Anybody who wants Josh McRoberts need look no further than Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Jeff Green, Julian Wright, Corey Brewer, and Al Thornton as guy who could do McRoberts' job about 1000 times better than McRoberts. I can't wait to see J-Mac starring in next season's D-league all-star game. He's the next Pops Mensah-Bonsuh!
As expected, Rick Barnes completed his "Sabatoging of Kevin Durant's career" mission by sitting idly by while USC's second half lead grew and grew and grew.....and grew and grew to 17 before he had the sense to call a timeout. I don't have the gamelog in front of me but it basically went "Texas turnover, USC lay-up, Texas miss, USC lay-up, Texas turnover, USC three-pointer" for about 6 minutes. This whole time, Barnes has a terrified look on his face as if to say "I sure hope nobody notices that I'm doing a better job of tanking this game than the Milwaukee Bucks are of tanking the rest of their season." Seriously though, Barnes is an outstanding recruiter. He has had top 5 talent every year. Look at some of the players he has coached: PJ Tucker, Lamarcus Aldridge, TJ Ford, Daniel Gibson, Kevin Durant, etc. Give that kind of talent to Tom Izzo and he's got two titles. With Rick Barnes, simply put, you don't have two titles. At this point, the University of Texas pretty much recruits itself. Anybody who has been to Austin knows what I'm talking about. At this point, I would seriously think about going another direction if I'm the UT brass. Look at all the quality coaches jumping ship. Steve Alford to New Mexico? Tubby Smith to Minnesota? These guys are leaving plum real estate for a studio apartment. There has got to be somebody out there (Tony Bennet, Chris Lowery, Mark Few?) who would be willing to take a job with the Hook 'Ems.
I think it might be time the NCAA ditches the domes for regional finals. They are necessary for the Final Four but not for anything else. Anyone remember last year in Atlanta for the Duke-LSU-Texas-West Virginia region. That place was dead, half-full, and dead some more. Same for Minneapolis for Florida-Villanova-Boston College-Georgetown. Meanwhile, the environments in Oakland and DC were electric. How about this year? The best game of the tournament so far has been Tennessee-Ohio State, but the Alamodome was about half-full for the amazing last ten minutes. Some of the problems could be that a) Tennessee didn't have any fans at the game, b) all the A&M fans left after the Aggies lost, and c) the game ended past people's bed times. Those are all valid. Hey, another reason might be that the game was being played in a cavernous behemouth meant for football!! As I said, they need it for the Final Four, which, like the Super Bowl, will draw not matter what. But the regional semi-finals and finals don't need that much leg room. The atmosphere suffers, the experience suffers. If you don't believe me, watch the games tonight. I'll bet my bottom dollar that the Meadowlands will be alive and then some, while the atmosphere at the Edward Jones Dome will suffer because of the echoes from all the crickets. See if you can't tell the difference.
By the way, I like Florida big over Butler, Oregon comfortably but not in a blow-out over former Blazer great Greg Anthony's alma-mater, Carolina to have way too much talent for the Conquest, and Georgetown to stay hot over Vandy. Yes, I picked all the higher seeds. Sue me. It has worked out pretty well so far this tournament. Remember when I was giving suggestions for picking the bracket and I told you to not chase Cinderella and play it safe? Damage control? I was right. Just thought I'd throw that in.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hey Rick Majerus! How does THAT taste!
So Winthrop hit four of their first six threes. That was pretty much the extent of their Cinderella run at the Ducks. Remember Craig Bradshaw, the guy who according to all the experts, would have too much size for the Oregon big men? 3-6 from the field. Non-factor. Winthrop was supposed to be this athletic, up-tempo team that would be able to stay with Oregon. I didn't see it. I was thoroughly unimpressed by "This Year's George Mason."
Maybe now some of the college basketball pundits will recognize, especially Rick Majerus. I like Rick. He was a good coach, he's a likeable guy, and he is a great analyst. But he was flat-out wrong about the "Ore-Gone" Ducks. So was Seth Davis and Clark Kellog. So was Digger Phelps. Everyone and their mother was picking Winthrop and I think I know why. Last year, Mason proved that it could be done. Now everyone is looking for that team that will do it this year. Winthrop was a trendy pick, and for the "experts" whose introduction to Oregon basketball was the first-round game against Miami (OH), it was easy for them to pick Winthrop. Forgive them. They didn't know Oregon is the Pac-10 champ. They didn't know Oregon has defeated UCLA, Wazzu (twice), Zona at Zona, Georgetown at Georgetown. They didn't know, they didn't care. They didn't want to know. Now they better take a look because this team is for real. Frankly, I expected to see a closer game. Now, I can't wait to watch ESPN tonight to see Digger and Majerus and all the other Ignorant to Ore-Gones try to justify Winthrop's demise.
And make no mistake, that's what it will be. It won't be what Oregon did right, but what Winthrop did wrong. That's all we heard from Ian Eagle during the telecast. "Winthrop just isn't executing" or "The Eagles just can't get anything going." Ian is another guy I like, but he wanted so badly for Winthrop to keep the Cinderella run going it was absurd. He didn't acknowledge Oregon's D once. Really, none of this lack of notoriety matters. If we keep winning, people will notice. UNLV is DAN-GER-OUS. Granted, Wisconsin was clearly a tired team that peaked midseason and ran out of gas in the Big Ten tourney. But UNLV is for real. They have 30 wins, and that's no joke.
That said, this is a great opportunity for Oregon. Beat UNLV and get a shot at the defending national champs and, in my opinion, the best team in America. Florida would beat Oregon 9 times out of 10, but all it takes is one. But first things first. UNLV is on tap. Let's hope people notice.
Maybe now some of the college basketball pundits will recognize, especially Rick Majerus. I like Rick. He was a good coach, he's a likeable guy, and he is a great analyst. But he was flat-out wrong about the "Ore-Gone" Ducks. So was Seth Davis and Clark Kellog. So was Digger Phelps. Everyone and their mother was picking Winthrop and I think I know why. Last year, Mason proved that it could be done. Now everyone is looking for that team that will do it this year. Winthrop was a trendy pick, and for the "experts" whose introduction to Oregon basketball was the first-round game against Miami (OH), it was easy for them to pick Winthrop. Forgive them. They didn't know Oregon is the Pac-10 champ. They didn't know Oregon has defeated UCLA, Wazzu (twice), Zona at Zona, Georgetown at Georgetown. They didn't know, they didn't care. They didn't want to know. Now they better take a look because this team is for real. Frankly, I expected to see a closer game. Now, I can't wait to watch ESPN tonight to see Digger and Majerus and all the other Ignorant to Ore-Gones try to justify Winthrop's demise.
And make no mistake, that's what it will be. It won't be what Oregon did right, but what Winthrop did wrong. That's all we heard from Ian Eagle during the telecast. "Winthrop just isn't executing" or "The Eagles just can't get anything going." Ian is another guy I like, but he wanted so badly for Winthrop to keep the Cinderella run going it was absurd. He didn't acknowledge Oregon's D once. Really, none of this lack of notoriety matters. If we keep winning, people will notice. UNLV is DAN-GER-OUS. Granted, Wisconsin was clearly a tired team that peaked midseason and ran out of gas in the Big Ten tourney. But UNLV is for real. They have 30 wins, and that's no joke.
That said, this is a great opportunity for Oregon. Beat UNLV and get a shot at the defending national champs and, in my opinion, the best team in America. Florida would beat Oregon 9 times out of 10, but all it takes is one. But first things first. UNLV is on tap. Let's hope people notice.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Pat Kilkenny: Nice Man
For those of you not a part of O Nation, the University of Oregon recently hired a new athletic director to replace outgoing AD Bill Moos. More on that in a second, but first I want to pass along this story regarding Kilkenny's inexplicably generous gesture to the student body. Apparently, a good number of U of O students were camping out outside the Casanova Center the other night to get their hands on the 55 tickets for the NCAA tournament made available to students (a tenth of the total alotment, per policy). Kilkenny showed up in the morning with his wife and not only presented them with an insane amount of donuts and coffee, he also announced that all of the tickets would be paid for...by him. Not only that, Kilkenny would foot the bill for a chartered bus to take the students to Spokane for the Ducks' first round game against Miami (OH) and, hopefully, their second round game against the Domer/Winthrop winner. All told, that's about 6 grand out of his pocket, and another 3 grand if the O advances to the second round.
Granted, this isn't that big of a deal for a guy as well off as Kilkenny. He sold his San Diego-based Arrowhead General Insurance Agency in 2006 with premiums upwards of $1 billion. He also happens to be one of the U of O's biggest boosters. The south plaza at Autzen Stadium is called the Pat Kilkenny South Plaza. This may get you wondering: how did Pat Kilkenny, a booster with no AD experience, get the job at Oregon? Well, it started when he paid outgoing AD Bill Moos $1.8 million to step down. Nobody really knows why exactly but it probably has something to do with Moos' inability to make headway when it comes to the basketball program's new arena project. For about 5 years, Moos has been trying to get money together to build the new arena but fundraisers have left for greener pastures and planning has stalled. Kilkenny has stated that the arena project is one of his main focuses.
So if you followed that correctly, you will realize that our biggest booster was pissed that Moos wasn't making progress in regards to the arena, so he paid Moos to leave. Then he was hired by UO President Dave Frohnmayer. Some may call this shady. The guy essentially pays for the job. And he's a booster nonetheless. Shouldn' t the NCAA be a tad bit concerned that a booster is leading the athletic department at a major institution, especially in an era where boosters have been known to pay high school coaches to get their kids to go to, say, Alabama? When boosters have more control over what goes with a team than the AD himself? And now one of these evil-doers has the keys to the mansion? Yes, some would call it shady. What would I call it? Brilliant!
And how could you not? Who has a more vested interest in the success of the program than the guy who has paid boatloads of cash to get practice facilities and stadium additions and locker rooms built? This is like having a fan in the driver's seat. It's perfect and I am a big proponent of the move. Kilkenny has a chance to really shake things up. What does he have to worry about? His future as AD? He was only given a two-year contract. And what's going to happen if it isn't extended? What does he care? He has millions and millions of dollars in the bank to play with.
This really seems like an owner situation. Bob Toledo, while coaching at UCLA, once said that Phil Knight was the best owner in college sports. It was meant to be humorous, and it was, even to people here at the O who have witnessed the transformation from a simple University in Eugene to Nike U. Now, someone may make the comment that Pat Kilkenny is the best owner in college sports and it won't be humorous. It will be true! He footed the bill for student tickets. What's to stop him from footing at least part of the bill for the new arena? Moos couldn't get it done, so Pat will do it himself, with his own cash! That would probably be the dirtiest situation in the history of college sports. Think about it: the athletic director single-handedly paying for a new arena. Frankly, this could really get ugly. Or it could be a home run.
How many of us have thought to ourselves: if I were running things we would be sooooooo much better? That's right, all of us. Now the University of Oregon has a fan, not just a bureaucratic hand-waver, in charge. He represents us, even if we can't relate to his fabulous wealth. But we can relate to his love of Oregon athletics, and I can't wait to see where this goes.
Granted, this isn't that big of a deal for a guy as well off as Kilkenny. He sold his San Diego-based Arrowhead General Insurance Agency in 2006 with premiums upwards of $1 billion. He also happens to be one of the U of O's biggest boosters. The south plaza at Autzen Stadium is called the Pat Kilkenny South Plaza. This may get you wondering: how did Pat Kilkenny, a booster with no AD experience, get the job at Oregon? Well, it started when he paid outgoing AD Bill Moos $1.8 million to step down. Nobody really knows why exactly but it probably has something to do with Moos' inability to make headway when it comes to the basketball program's new arena project. For about 5 years, Moos has been trying to get money together to build the new arena but fundraisers have left for greener pastures and planning has stalled. Kilkenny has stated that the arena project is one of his main focuses.
So if you followed that correctly, you will realize that our biggest booster was pissed that Moos wasn't making progress in regards to the arena, so he paid Moos to leave. Then he was hired by UO President Dave Frohnmayer. Some may call this shady. The guy essentially pays for the job. And he's a booster nonetheless. Shouldn' t the NCAA be a tad bit concerned that a booster is leading the athletic department at a major institution, especially in an era where boosters have been known to pay high school coaches to get their kids to go to, say, Alabama? When boosters have more control over what goes with a team than the AD himself? And now one of these evil-doers has the keys to the mansion? Yes, some would call it shady. What would I call it? Brilliant!
And how could you not? Who has a more vested interest in the success of the program than the guy who has paid boatloads of cash to get practice facilities and stadium additions and locker rooms built? This is like having a fan in the driver's seat. It's perfect and I am a big proponent of the move. Kilkenny has a chance to really shake things up. What does he have to worry about? His future as AD? He was only given a two-year contract. And what's going to happen if it isn't extended? What does he care? He has millions and millions of dollars in the bank to play with.
This really seems like an owner situation. Bob Toledo, while coaching at UCLA, once said that Phil Knight was the best owner in college sports. It was meant to be humorous, and it was, even to people here at the O who have witnessed the transformation from a simple University in Eugene to Nike U. Now, someone may make the comment that Pat Kilkenny is the best owner in college sports and it won't be humorous. It will be true! He footed the bill for student tickets. What's to stop him from footing at least part of the bill for the new arena? Moos couldn't get it done, so Pat will do it himself, with his own cash! That would probably be the dirtiest situation in the history of college sports. Think about it: the athletic director single-handedly paying for a new arena. Frankly, this could really get ugly. Or it could be a home run.
How many of us have thought to ourselves: if I were running things we would be sooooooo much better? That's right, all of us. Now the University of Oregon has a fan, not just a bureaucratic hand-waver, in charge. He represents us, even if we can't relate to his fabulous wealth. But we can relate to his love of Oregon athletics, and I can't wait to see where this goes.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
The Play-in...um, I mean "Opening Round" Game
For those of you who missed it, Niagara beat FAMU in the Opening Round game of the NCAA tournament. The title "opening round" is meant to imply that this game represents the start of the NCAA Tournament, the beginning of March Madness. I am willing to bet however that there were very few people outside of Niagara, New York and Tallahassee, Florida that were glued to their screens hanging on the outcome of every possession. In fact, even the players seemed a bit indifferent. It had the feel of a JV game taking place just before a high-profile Varsity game. The stands are packed with people anticipating the big boys to take the floor and who don't really care who wins the JV game. Meanwhile, the JV kids are just trying to get the game over with because they are semi-embarrassed because they know that people are secretly laughing at them for not being Varsity players and being relegated to having to play the show before the show. That's what the Opening Round game is. All of the teams that are actually in the tournament are preparing for the Big Dance while NU and FAMU are in Dayton, Ohio playing a game that allegedly means something but everyone, including the players, coaches, and fans, realizes does not.
I couldn't help but feel for the players. Think about the supreme elation those guys felt after winning their conference tournaments. They were going to the grown-up's table. They were in the show. In didn't matter if it meant getting slaughtered by a real contender. They were going to get to experience the madness and maybe, just maybe, be one of those teams that everyone would be talking about. Maybe Niagara would be this year's Mason, FAMU the next Gonzaga. And then, on Selection Sunday, the ball dropped. They would actually have to play a game before becoming the sacrificial lamb to Kansas. Bummer. It's like being told you are getting a car for your birthday and then being handed the keys to a Geo Prizm or a Ford P.O.S. Sort of takes the luster off, doesn't it?
Apparently, the city of Dayton has really embraced this game and have made it an "event" or something. Hey, that's cool. It's great that they try their darndest to make the two teams feel like they are real-life bona-fide tourney teams. That doesn't make it okay to exile two teams that nobody cares about off to a game that nobody cares about, the winner of which will be another bug on the bottom of a national powerhouse's shoe.
The idea of the Opening Round game is decent enough. It allows for one more at-large team. Thank goodness, because without this riveting match-up of MEAC champ vs. MAAC champ, teams that epitomize mediocrity, like Illinois and Arkansas, wouldn't have the opportunity to salvage their seasons with a tourney victory (I hope the sarcasm shines through that last sentence). My deal is if you're going to have one Opening Round game for one of the #16 seeds, have an Opening Round game for all of the #16 seeds. Make it an actual event. Having four Opening Round games on the Tuesday prior to the start of the tourney may actually be somewhat interesting. Plus, each #16 seed gets the equal disadvantage of having to play a game before getting beaten to a pulp by a contender.
The other change that should be made is that conference champions shouldn't be forced to play in the Opening Round. They earned their way in. They earned the right to experience March Madness. Did Arkansas really earn it? Was 7-9 in the SEC West and a cotton cushy draw in the SEC tourney really worthy of a bid? Meanwhile, Niagara and FAMU each finished second in their respective conferences, won over 20 games, and each rolled through their conference tournaments to win a spot in the actual Dance. Maybe the "worst" teams in the tourney shouldn't be forced to play on Tuesday. Maybe the last teams picked should have to play. Maybe the Opening Round game should be Arkansas vs. Illinois. It wouldn't have to be for a 16 seed, but perhaps a 13 seed, which is usually the seed that the last team in the tournament gets.
The point is simple. The NCAA wants people to think the Opening Round game is part of the Madness. It isn't. Everyone knows that, including the players in the game. It's too bad and it isn't fair. Unfortunately, it probably isn't going to change. As I said, the concept isn't ill-conceived because it allows an extra at-large. But does that at-large deserve it? And why should two conference champions be forced to play in the game-they-want-you-to-think-matters-but-actually-doesn't? Talk amongst yourselves.
I couldn't help but feel for the players. Think about the supreme elation those guys felt after winning their conference tournaments. They were going to the grown-up's table. They were in the show. In didn't matter if it meant getting slaughtered by a real contender. They were going to get to experience the madness and maybe, just maybe, be one of those teams that everyone would be talking about. Maybe Niagara would be this year's Mason, FAMU the next Gonzaga. And then, on Selection Sunday, the ball dropped. They would actually have to play a game before becoming the sacrificial lamb to Kansas. Bummer. It's like being told you are getting a car for your birthday and then being handed the keys to a Geo Prizm or a Ford P.O.S. Sort of takes the luster off, doesn't it?
Apparently, the city of Dayton has really embraced this game and have made it an "event" or something. Hey, that's cool. It's great that they try their darndest to make the two teams feel like they are real-life bona-fide tourney teams. That doesn't make it okay to exile two teams that nobody cares about off to a game that nobody cares about, the winner of which will be another bug on the bottom of a national powerhouse's shoe.
The idea of the Opening Round game is decent enough. It allows for one more at-large team. Thank goodness, because without this riveting match-up of MEAC champ vs. MAAC champ, teams that epitomize mediocrity, like Illinois and Arkansas, wouldn't have the opportunity to salvage their seasons with a tourney victory (I hope the sarcasm shines through that last sentence). My deal is if you're going to have one Opening Round game for one of the #16 seeds, have an Opening Round game for all of the #16 seeds. Make it an actual event. Having four Opening Round games on the Tuesday prior to the start of the tourney may actually be somewhat interesting. Plus, each #16 seed gets the equal disadvantage of having to play a game before getting beaten to a pulp by a contender.
The other change that should be made is that conference champions shouldn't be forced to play in the Opening Round. They earned their way in. They earned the right to experience March Madness. Did Arkansas really earn it? Was 7-9 in the SEC West and a cotton cushy draw in the SEC tourney really worthy of a bid? Meanwhile, Niagara and FAMU each finished second in their respective conferences, won over 20 games, and each rolled through their conference tournaments to win a spot in the actual Dance. Maybe the "worst" teams in the tourney shouldn't be forced to play on Tuesday. Maybe the last teams picked should have to play. Maybe the Opening Round game should be Arkansas vs. Illinois. It wouldn't have to be for a 16 seed, but perhaps a 13 seed, which is usually the seed that the last team in the tournament gets.
The point is simple. The NCAA wants people to think the Opening Round game is part of the Madness. It isn't. Everyone knows that, including the players in the game. It's too bad and it isn't fair. Unfortunately, it probably isn't going to change. As I said, the concept isn't ill-conceived because it allows an extra at-large. But does that at-large deserve it? And why should two conference champions be forced to play in the game-they-want-you-to-think-matters-but-actually-doesn't? Talk amongst yourselves.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Divine Secrets of filling out a bracket
There is no magic potion or special secrets to filling out brackets. A lot of it is just a crap shoot. Obviously nobody had George Mason in the Final Four last year. In fact, very few people probably had LSU and Florida in the Final Four. This thing is damn near impossible to really predict. However, as a two-time winner of Oregon School for the Deaf's bracket pool (my mom works there and she always let me fill out her bracket) I deem myself qualified to pass along some things that I look for when filling out my Tourney bracket.
1. Damage Control. Nobody is going to pick every game right. Not me and, I sorry to be the one to break this, not you. The key is damage control. Everybody tries to look for the big upsets, the bracket busters, the next George Mason. The problem with that is what if you pick a 14 over a 3 because you have unequivicably identified the obvious upset but then that 3 not only wins but goes on to the Final Four or the Elite Eight? Your bracket is screwed! Stay with the safe picks because it will benefit you down the line when those people who went for the upsets have nobody left passed the Sweet 16. That's not to say that you shouldn't pick upsets. Hell, I have VCU beating Duke, ODU beating Butler, Creighton beating Nevada. Just don't try to do something stupid. Take the prudent route.
2. Who's hot? This is an obvious one. If a team is peaking going into the tourney, stick with them. That's why Georgetown is the hot pick this year. They are playing maybe the best ball in the country. Don't go against them just because everyone is going for them. If they are hot, go with it. That's why I have G-Town, Florida, and Ohio State in Atlanta. They all won their conference tournaments and they are all playing well. I also have Oregon in the Elite Eight as a Hot Team/Homer pick as well as Texas. These teams are hot. Go with 'em.
3. Let the stars come out. Make sure a team has a star player who can carry them if the rest of the team isn't producing. In the Big Dance, the Big Stars come out. This is why I have Texas in the Elite Eight. Would Texas be sniffing a 4 seed, would they have even been in those games with Kansas if not for Kevin Durant? No. They would be an 8 or 9 but nowhere near a 4. Marquette loses in the first round because their star, Dominic James, is playing like crap. Memphis doesn't make it out of the Sweet 16 because, although they are talented, they will lose to the star power/home court advantage that Texas A & M will bring with Acie Law in San Antonio. Let the stars guide you, not blind you.
4. Coaching, coaching, coaching. Look for good coaches with history of success in the tournament. This is one reason why I was hesitant with the Texas pick. Rick Barnes can't coach worth crap but the star power/hotness that the Hook 'Ems bring to the table outweighs the ineptitude on the sidelines. I have UCLA in the Final Four because they may be the best coached team in America. Plus, they don't have to leave Californ-Eye-Ay until Atlanta. If Michigan State were a little more talented, I would pick them to go far. Tom Izzo has made 3 Final Fours and an Elite Eight. Last year was an aberation. I have them beating Marquette in an intriguing 8-9 game and would have them going further if there was more talent on that team. If a team has a coach, they have a chance. That winning attitude and mentality that guys like Howland and Izzo bring rubs off on the players.
5. Balance. For some reason, people have come to the conclusion that guardplay wins in March. I stopped falling for that in 2002 when Your Oregon Ducks, with arguably the best backcourt in the country (Luke Ridnour, Freddie Jones, Luke Jackson) got outrebounded by about 1000-5 in the Elite Eight to the Nick Collison led Kansas Jayhawks. This year, the Ducks once again have a great backcourt, better than Florida's, but they wouldn't have a 9 year olds chance at Neverland Ranch against the Gators thanks to Joe Noah and Al Horford. The big guys have to show up too. Don't fall for the "just guards" theory. If that were the case, Virginia Tech would be a lock for the Final Four. USC would be in the Elite Eight. Just keep it balanced.
As you can see, there are numerous contradictions in these theories. I have UCLA in the Final Four even though they lost their last two (not hot). I have Duke losing in the first round despite having Coach K (good coaching). I have Texas beating UNC even though you could argue that the star factor cancels out due to Carolina's depth, and Roy Williams is clearly a better coach than Rick Barnes. The point is, as I said at the top, there is no perfect formula. There are no magic theories. This is what I look for. It may not be what you look for. Whatever works, trust it. Go with it. Feel it. That being said, we'll all be tearing up our brackets by about 1 PM Thursday afternoon so what does it matter?
1. Damage Control. Nobody is going to pick every game right. Not me and, I sorry to be the one to break this, not you. The key is damage control. Everybody tries to look for the big upsets, the bracket busters, the next George Mason. The problem with that is what if you pick a 14 over a 3 because you have unequivicably identified the obvious upset but then that 3 not only wins but goes on to the Final Four or the Elite Eight? Your bracket is screwed! Stay with the safe picks because it will benefit you down the line when those people who went for the upsets have nobody left passed the Sweet 16. That's not to say that you shouldn't pick upsets. Hell, I have VCU beating Duke, ODU beating Butler, Creighton beating Nevada. Just don't try to do something stupid. Take the prudent route.
2. Who's hot? This is an obvious one. If a team is peaking going into the tourney, stick with them. That's why Georgetown is the hot pick this year. They are playing maybe the best ball in the country. Don't go against them just because everyone is going for them. If they are hot, go with it. That's why I have G-Town, Florida, and Ohio State in Atlanta. They all won their conference tournaments and they are all playing well. I also have Oregon in the Elite Eight as a Hot Team/Homer pick as well as Texas. These teams are hot. Go with 'em.
3. Let the stars come out. Make sure a team has a star player who can carry them if the rest of the team isn't producing. In the Big Dance, the Big Stars come out. This is why I have Texas in the Elite Eight. Would Texas be sniffing a 4 seed, would they have even been in those games with Kansas if not for Kevin Durant? No. They would be an 8 or 9 but nowhere near a 4. Marquette loses in the first round because their star, Dominic James, is playing like crap. Memphis doesn't make it out of the Sweet 16 because, although they are talented, they will lose to the star power/home court advantage that Texas A & M will bring with Acie Law in San Antonio. Let the stars guide you, not blind you.
4. Coaching, coaching, coaching. Look for good coaches with history of success in the tournament. This is one reason why I was hesitant with the Texas pick. Rick Barnes can't coach worth crap but the star power/hotness that the Hook 'Ems bring to the table outweighs the ineptitude on the sidelines. I have UCLA in the Final Four because they may be the best coached team in America. Plus, they don't have to leave Californ-Eye-Ay until Atlanta. If Michigan State were a little more talented, I would pick them to go far. Tom Izzo has made 3 Final Fours and an Elite Eight. Last year was an aberation. I have them beating Marquette in an intriguing 8-9 game and would have them going further if there was more talent on that team. If a team has a coach, they have a chance. That winning attitude and mentality that guys like Howland and Izzo bring rubs off on the players.
5. Balance. For some reason, people have come to the conclusion that guardplay wins in March. I stopped falling for that in 2002 when Your Oregon Ducks, with arguably the best backcourt in the country (Luke Ridnour, Freddie Jones, Luke Jackson) got outrebounded by about 1000-5 in the Elite Eight to the Nick Collison led Kansas Jayhawks. This year, the Ducks once again have a great backcourt, better than Florida's, but they wouldn't have a 9 year olds chance at Neverland Ranch against the Gators thanks to Joe Noah and Al Horford. The big guys have to show up too. Don't fall for the "just guards" theory. If that were the case, Virginia Tech would be a lock for the Final Four. USC would be in the Elite Eight. Just keep it balanced.
As you can see, there are numerous contradictions in these theories. I have UCLA in the Final Four even though they lost their last two (not hot). I have Duke losing in the first round despite having Coach K (good coaching). I have Texas beating UNC even though you could argue that the star factor cancels out due to Carolina's depth, and Roy Williams is clearly a better coach than Rick Barnes. The point is, as I said at the top, there is no perfect formula. There are no magic theories. This is what I look for. It may not be what you look for. Whatever works, trust it. Go with it. Feel it. That being said, we'll all be tearing up our brackets by about 1 PM Thursday afternoon so what does it matter?
Sunday, March 11, 2007
OK, my bad
So I initially thought this would be a college football blog. I also thought that the end of a season would be a perfect time to start a college football blog. Ummmm.....yeaaaahhhhh. Not true. So screw that idea. Instead of writing about college football only, all the time, exclusively, and nothing else, I will instead write about whatever I want. It will mostly be sports (of all shapes and sizes) and politics and whatever else. One thing that is for sure is I will actually post often. I hope. We'll see how this goes.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
For those who think recruiting doesn't matter...
The arguments on this issue go both ways, but I stand firmly on the recruiting-absolutely matters side.
That isn’t to say that recruiting is an exact science. As we’ve been told over and over again, recruiting is perhaps the most inexact science. It’s infinitely more inexact than the crapshoot known as the NFL Draft (and that’s saying something). There are so many variables when it comes to college football recruiting. The kid may be a total moron. He may not be able to read (and, frankly, who is going to put it past Bobby Bowden to recruit an illiterate?). He may not qualify academically; he may not be able to handle the academic demands of college once he gets there (that is, assuming he even goes to class). He may not be able to handle the pressure that comes with being a big-time college athlete who has to deal with all of the expectations that come with the “prestigious” 5-star rating. Maybe he gets on campus and expects everything to be handed to him. As a result, he doesn’t work hard, gets fat, and ends up transferring to some place like Idaho State (I’m talking to you, Aaron Klovas).
And, of course, there’s always the possibility that the kid may not be any good. Sure he tore up guys who had a tenth of his strength and a tenth of his speed in high school. Sure he runs a good forty, and he can bench press 185 all day. But guess what? Everybody in big-time college football fits those criteria. Duck fans know all to well the case of current wideout Cameron Colvin. He had 5-stars. He attended powerhouse De La Salle high school. He announced his intention to attend Oregon on ESPN. He was the gem of arguably Mike Bellotti’s best recruiting. 54 career catches later and he is heading into his senior season looking to salvage whatever he can from a career that was once so promising but is now so disappointing. This was a guy ranked ahead of Calvin Johnson, ahead of Marshawn Lynch, ahead of Dwayne Jarret, ahead of Brian Brohm.
Sometimes, they get it wrong. That’s all well and good. I’m not here to argue that trying to evaluate eighteen year olds is a perfected art. But those of you who say, “Recruiting doesn’t matter,” take a look at Rivals.com’s last couple of top 100 lists. There may be some names you don’t recognize, like Whitney Lewis (#3 overall player in 2003), or Fred Rouse (#5 overall player in 2005. However, there are also quite a few that you probably do recognize. How about Vincent Young (#1 player in 2002), or Reggie Bush (#2 player in 2003), or Adrian Peterson (#1 player in 2004). The point is that there will always be the misses, just like Todd Marinovich or Ryan Leaf. However, the majority of the time, the recruiting rankings are right.
Some people wonder how USC has grown into the premier program in college football. The answer is recruiting. The answer is that Pete Carroll can go out and literally get any high school prospect that he wants. USC has had the Rivals.com #1 recruiting class each of the last three years, and the year before that they were #3. There are numerous college coaches who I’d rather draw up a game plan, but there is no other coach who I’d rather have in a kid’s living room trying to convince him to come to my school than Carroll. He brings in the best talent and they win games. They just had a rebuilding year in which they went 11-2 and won a Rose Bowl. That was a disappointing year. That’s what recruiting can do. It can raise a program to a point where a Rose Bowl victory over the winningest program in college football history is a ho-hum end to a bummer year.
Remember that Texas Longhorns team that defeated the aforementioned Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl to capture the national championship? Four years prior, Mack Brown hauled in what some recruiting experts considered to be the best recruiting class in the history of college football. It was a class that included Vince Young, Justin Blalock, Aaron Harris, Kasey Studdard, Aaron Ross, Rodrique Wright, and Selvin Young. All were highly touted recruits who were a part of the temporary halting of the Trojan dynasty. It took the arguably the greatest recruiting class ever to knock off the greatest recruiter ever.
So for those of you who really truly believe that recruiting is completely irrelevant and believe that Ron Powlus was part of a trend rather than an anomaly, take a look at history because it never lies. Good teams are good because they recruit good players. There are always going to be players who slip through the cracks. There are always going to be the late bloomers who develop in a program. That’s the nature of all walks of life. Nothing is exact. I’d want a guy with an MBA from Harvard in my boardroom any day ahead of a guy who all of a sudden realizes that he has the business gene, just like I’d take a class of 5-star studs ahead of a bunch of “sleepers” every single year.
That isn’t to say that recruiting is an exact science. As we’ve been told over and over again, recruiting is perhaps the most inexact science. It’s infinitely more inexact than the crapshoot known as the NFL Draft (and that’s saying something). There are so many variables when it comes to college football recruiting. The kid may be a total moron. He may not be able to read (and, frankly, who is going to put it past Bobby Bowden to recruit an illiterate?). He may not qualify academically; he may not be able to handle the academic demands of college once he gets there (that is, assuming he even goes to class). He may not be able to handle the pressure that comes with being a big-time college athlete who has to deal with all of the expectations that come with the “prestigious” 5-star rating. Maybe he gets on campus and expects everything to be handed to him. As a result, he doesn’t work hard, gets fat, and ends up transferring to some place like Idaho State (I’m talking to you, Aaron Klovas).
And, of course, there’s always the possibility that the kid may not be any good. Sure he tore up guys who had a tenth of his strength and a tenth of his speed in high school. Sure he runs a good forty, and he can bench press 185 all day. But guess what? Everybody in big-time college football fits those criteria. Duck fans know all to well the case of current wideout Cameron Colvin. He had 5-stars. He attended powerhouse De La Salle high school. He announced his intention to attend Oregon on ESPN. He was the gem of arguably Mike Bellotti’s best recruiting. 54 career catches later and he is heading into his senior season looking to salvage whatever he can from a career that was once so promising but is now so disappointing. This was a guy ranked ahead of Calvin Johnson, ahead of Marshawn Lynch, ahead of Dwayne Jarret, ahead of Brian Brohm.
Sometimes, they get it wrong. That’s all well and good. I’m not here to argue that trying to evaluate eighteen year olds is a perfected art. But those of you who say, “Recruiting doesn’t matter,” take a look at Rivals.com’s last couple of top 100 lists. There may be some names you don’t recognize, like Whitney Lewis (#3 overall player in 2003), or Fred Rouse (#5 overall player in 2005. However, there are also quite a few that you probably do recognize. How about Vincent Young (#1 player in 2002), or Reggie Bush (#2 player in 2003), or Adrian Peterson (#1 player in 2004). The point is that there will always be the misses, just like Todd Marinovich or Ryan Leaf. However, the majority of the time, the recruiting rankings are right.
Some people wonder how USC has grown into the premier program in college football. The answer is recruiting. The answer is that Pete Carroll can go out and literally get any high school prospect that he wants. USC has had the Rivals.com #1 recruiting class each of the last three years, and the year before that they were #3. There are numerous college coaches who I’d rather draw up a game plan, but there is no other coach who I’d rather have in a kid’s living room trying to convince him to come to my school than Carroll. He brings in the best talent and they win games. They just had a rebuilding year in which they went 11-2 and won a Rose Bowl. That was a disappointing year. That’s what recruiting can do. It can raise a program to a point where a Rose Bowl victory over the winningest program in college football history is a ho-hum end to a bummer year.
Remember that Texas Longhorns team that defeated the aforementioned Trojans in the 2006 Rose Bowl to capture the national championship? Four years prior, Mack Brown hauled in what some recruiting experts considered to be the best recruiting class in the history of college football. It was a class that included Vince Young, Justin Blalock, Aaron Harris, Kasey Studdard, Aaron Ross, Rodrique Wright, and Selvin Young. All were highly touted recruits who were a part of the temporary halting of the Trojan dynasty. It took the arguably the greatest recruiting class ever to knock off the greatest recruiter ever.
So for those of you who really truly believe that recruiting is completely irrelevant and believe that Ron Powlus was part of a trend rather than an anomaly, take a look at history because it never lies. Good teams are good because they recruit good players. There are always going to be players who slip through the cracks. There are always going to be the late bloomers who develop in a program. That’s the nature of all walks of life. Nothing is exact. I’d want a guy with an MBA from Harvard in my boardroom any day ahead of a guy who all of a sudden realizes that he has the business gene, just like I’d take a class of 5-star studs ahead of a bunch of “sleepers” every single year.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Sharkface done with pigskin
Jeff Samardzija will officially not be an NFL wide receiver, electing instead to sign a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs.
Not too much of a shock. From what I have heard, he has a very promising baseball career ahead of him. Getting $8 million of guaranteed money probably made the decision quite a bit easier, although he would probably say that it "wasn't about the money" or some crap like that. It's possible that it wasn't about the money. He would have been able to make about that much as a first-round draft pick. However, being an NFL player is almost as bad as, well, being an NFL coach. It's year-around, all-day, everyday. These days, the NFL consumes the lives of all who are associated with it. By choosing baseball, Sharkface is making the sane choice. Even if it means 10-hour bus rides for the next couple of years until he hits the bigs, it also means pitching once every five days in the summer time with very little pressure seeing as that the Cubs have invested $8 million dollars in this kid. It isn't as if he is giving up a guaranteed NFL career for the possibility of a career of low-paying minor league gigs.
On the plus side for football fans, it means we won't have to see that ugly mug of his for at least a year or two. For those who don't follow baseball at all, you won't ever have to see it again!
Not too much of a shock. From what I have heard, he has a very promising baseball career ahead of him. Getting $8 million of guaranteed money probably made the decision quite a bit easier, although he would probably say that it "wasn't about the money" or some crap like that. It's possible that it wasn't about the money. He would have been able to make about that much as a first-round draft pick. However, being an NFL player is almost as bad as, well, being an NFL coach. It's year-around, all-day, everyday. These days, the NFL consumes the lives of all who are associated with it. By choosing baseball, Sharkface is making the sane choice. Even if it means 10-hour bus rides for the next couple of years until he hits the bigs, it also means pitching once every five days in the summer time with very little pressure seeing as that the Cubs have invested $8 million dollars in this kid. It isn't as if he is giving up a guaranteed NFL career for the possibility of a career of low-paying minor league gigs.
On the plus side for football fans, it means we won't have to see that ugly mug of his for at least a year or two. For those who don't follow baseball at all, you won't ever have to see it again!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Where do we go from here?
Why is the path unclear?
Gus Mal-gone isn't the only offensive coordinator who is looking for greener pastures. However, I would venture to say that there aren't too many Duck fans who are heartbroken over Gary Crowton's departure. The offense was awful by the end of the year. Dennis Dixon had no semblance of confidence. The talent on the field was not being taken advantage of.
The question now becomes: what now? Bellotti apparently is going to stick with the spread. You don't need to examine this article too carefully to read between the lines.
There was no consistent passing game in the second half of the season. The spread was good while it lasted. However, the Ducks have enough talent to employ a more pro-style attack with J-Stew getting about 25 carries per game. As long as Andy Ludwig isn't the offensive coordinator, the offense should be just as effective.
Gus Mal-gone isn't the only offensive coordinator who is looking for greener pastures. However, I would venture to say that there aren't too many Duck fans who are heartbroken over Gary Crowton's departure. The offense was awful by the end of the year. Dennis Dixon had no semblance of confidence. The talent on the field was not being taken advantage of.
The question now becomes: what now? Bellotti apparently is going to stick with the spread. You don't need to examine this article too carefully to read between the lines.
And as Bellotti vowed to "move quickly" to find a new coordinator, his biggest offensive star, running back Jonathan Stewart, said he is eager to see what changes are in store. Stewart said he would welcome more traditional sets, such as an I-formation, along with the spread-out style.
"I'm always open to that idea -- all running backs are, really," he said. "Whatever we do, we have to be consistent with it."
"Jonathan is a tough tailback, and between the tackles, he's unbelievable," Leaf said. "I mean, if you can give him the ball there, I don't think it would be a negative."
There was no consistent passing game in the second half of the season. The spread was good while it lasted. However, the Ducks have enough talent to employ a more pro-style attack with J-Stew getting about 25 carries per game. As long as Andy Ludwig isn't the offensive coordinator, the offense should be just as effective.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
For those who haven't heard.....
Mitch Mustain has been granted permission to leave Arkansas. Pretty much saw this one coming after Gus Malzahn decided to join BFF Todd Graham at Tulsa. Does this mean that Mustain will be a Golden 'Cane as well? That remains to be seen, but for my money it will be either there or possibly Michigan, Notre Dame, or Tennessee, which were three schools that he also considered before committing, de-committing, then committing again to Arkansas. Now we'll have to wait and see what happens to the other current Springdalers (Ben Cleveland and Andrew Norman) who also followed Malzahn to the Razorbacks. This thing has officially gotten out of hand. Before all of this hullabaloo, Arkansas was a legit preseason top ten. Don't get me wrong, they will still be good next year with Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Marcus Monk, and Casey Dick back, but one has to wonder how much all of this turmoil will mess with the current players. The loss of Mustain hurts because he was a star in the making, while we may have seen the best of what Casey Dick has to offer. All of this craziness will certainly affect their status in the Autzen Zoo's post-recruiting top 25 which will be out in February.
Oh my holy God!
Wow. This one pretty much writes itself. Seriously, it was bad enough when Ronny tried to play quarterback, but now he wants to coach it? That bang you heard was the nail being driven into the coffin of Jimmy Clausen's career.
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