Thursday, February 28, 2013

Temple 83 Detroit 78, Some Thoughts....

I really really doubt that any team has had a more insane last five weeks then the Temple Owls.  This is just getting ridiculous.  Just once, I want to have a nice night enjoying an Owls game without getting pissed off or screaming at the tv, just once.  But no, it doesn't happen, ever.  I know Detroit is a good team, so I'm not saying this should have been an easy win.  But the way Temple has played the last couple games, and this being Detroit's third game in five days, this game had the makings of a Temple romp.  Ha, not even close.  Anyway, here are some thoughts on tonight's game and this Temple team.

- What are the Owls going to do without Wyatt next year?  I think they'll be able to replace his scoring for the most part, guys will step up.  The big void will be the late game situations, who is going to step and take the big shots and take control of the game?  I'm sure someone will try to be that guy, but man, what a huge loss he is going to be.  No matter how bleak it gets, I never think they are out of it as long as Wyatt is on the court.  Dude is amazing right now.

- Scootie is just oozing with confidence right now, hopefully he continues to stay hot for four more weeks.

- O'Brien just scores and scores and scores.  And I tell you what, his defense is definitely improving.  He's not going to wow anyone on that end, but he gets the job done, and he plays aggressively, unlike Lee.  But can Jake make some free throws?  He looks so uncomfortable shooting those.

- I think Cummings has a lot of game, and he'll be a big part of this team next year.  Lee has a lot of talent and will also be a big part of the team.  But right now, the late game lineup of Wyatt, Randall, DiLeo, Jefferson, and O'Brien is the best team we can put on the floor.  Shooters, defense, rebounding, it's the best lineup, need to go to it more often.

- 20-8 with nine wins over the Top 100 RPI and four of those coming on a road or neutral court.  Barring a collapse, this team is going to the dance, can't see it not happening.

- I was thinking, in my 20 years of being a Temple fan, I can't think of a time that Temple was ever really "on the bubble" on Selection Sunday.  They have either been squarely in, or definitely out.  Anyone think of a year where they were sweating it on Selection Sunday?  I can't.

- Detroit has a nice team.  Overall I didn't think Temple played poorly, they just played a tough team.

- Hooter's birthday is Saturday.  Hope everyone enjoys the cake.

- Really good chance that VCU game will be for a first round bye in the A10 tourney.  Better be a sellout.

- Favorite Temple players of all time in no particular order: Eddie Jones, Lynn Greer, Dionte Christmas, Quincy Wadley, Pepe Sanchez.  Yours?

What do you all think will happen the rest of the season?

Thanks for reading.

Curt

Sunday, February 24, 2013

If the A10 Tourney Started Today..... (2/25)

Here we are four days from March, two weeks from the end of the A10 Regular Season.  Some teams have three league games remaining, while others have four game still on their slate.  Here is what the A10 Tournament,  being held in Brooklyn, would look like if the tourney started today.  Also, we'll look at some big games remaining in the next two weeks.

TOP 4 SEEDS RECEIVING BYES

1. St. Louis (10-2) (Play the winner of the 8 and 9 seed matchup.)
Billikens have won nine in a row.  None of their final four games are gimmies, but odds are they'll end up keeping this top seed when the tournament starts.

2. Virginia Commonwealth (10-3) (Play the winner of the 7 and 10 seed matchup.)
They are about right where everyone thought they would be before the season started.  Two of their three remaining games are tough.  They may not end up with the two seed, but they will end up with a first round bye.



3. LaSalle (9-4) (Play the winner of the 6 and 11 seed matchup.)
LaSalle is the surprise of the conference this year for the national audience.  For people that watch the A10, you could have seen this coming.  They have two easy W's and one tough game left.  Should be able to hold onto a first round bye.  If the seeds were to stay the same, they could be playing Temple in their first game.  Not sure they would want that.

4. Butler (9-4) (Play the winner of the 5 and 12 seed matchup.)
Two tough roadies coming up for Butler.  I think they will find themselves playing a first round game when it is all said and done.

FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS

5. Xavier (8-5) vs. 12. St. Bonaventure (6-7)  (Winner would play Butler.)
Xavier beat the Bonnies in Olean early in the season by two points.  If this matchup were to happen again, you would have to lean towards the Musketeers but the Bonnies are much impoved from earlier in the year.  I believe when the season is over the Bonnies will end up with a better seed than a 12.



6. Temple (8-5) vs. 11. Charlotte (6-6)  (Winner would play LaSalle.)
Temple has beat Charlotte twice and by 20 this last meeting on Sunday.  This is a matchup I don't think the Niners would want.  Temple has turned it around and has a first round bye in their sights.  Charlotte on the other hand better win their next one vs. Dayton or they might not be making a trip to Brooklyn. 

7. UMASS (7-6) vs. 10. George Washington (6-6)  (Winner would play Virginia Commonwealth.)
Minutemen have lost three of four and could very easily lose their last three games.  They will probably be an away team in the first round.  GW has a couple really toughies left also.  Like Charlotte, they better not be making Brooklyn plans just yet.

8. St. Joseph's (6-6) vs. 9. Richmond (6-6)  (Winner would play St. Louis.)
Hawks are probably the biggest disappointment of this season.  They were preseason favorites, and are clearly not living up to that. Looking at the schedule coming up, I could see this matchup being exactly this.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

13. Dayton (4-8)
All four remaining games are against teams with six wins.  So if they want to make the tourney, it is right in front of them.  Two at home and two on the road.  Personally, I think they take three and sneak in.

14. Rhode Island (3-10)
Technically still have a chance, but let's not kid ourselves, the Rams are going home.

15. Fordham (2-11)
Mathematically already eliminated.  They are use to it.

16. Duquesne (1-12)
Also eliminated.  The lone win came on the road at Temple.  Seriously.

BIG GAMES REMAINING

3/2 Butler at VCU
Huge game.  Butler losing could keep them from a first round bye.  VCU win keeps them alive for the top seed.

3/6 St. Louis at Xavier
Xavier is a very good home team.  Muskies are looking to nail down a first round bye.  Billikens looking to hold onto the top seed.

3/9 LaSalle at St. Louis
LaSalle actually has a shot at the title if they were to win out and St. Louis loses at Xavier.  Either way, this will be a great matchup.

3/9 Xavier at Butler
Depending on what happens up until this game, this could be for a first round bye.  Xavier already pasted Butler earlier in the year.


3/10 VCU at Temple
VCU may need this for the top seed.  Temple may need this for a first round bye.  Nice matchup.

These next two weeks will be exciting and the tourney will be a great, must-see, event this year.  Looking forward to it.  Anyone have any thoughts or comments on what you think the seeds will end up being?  Or maybe a little nugget you want to share.  Please feel free to drop a note.  Thanks for reading.

Curt

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Dead or Alive 2/22/13

We lost three more teams in the last two days.  Only 321 teams remain in the chase for the National Title.  Eliminations are going to come fast and furious from now until Selection Sunday, which is now only 23 days away.  Here is a list of the 26 schools that have already been eliminated as of Friday night the 22nd.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY - Ineligible for America East Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year. With 11 losses, no chance at an at-large bid.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY - Ineligible due to this being their first year in Division I.
UCONN - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
UC RIVERSIDE - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
UNC WILMINGTON - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TOWSON - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
OLD DOMINION - Ineligible for Colonial Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year.  No chance at an at-large bid.
GEORGIA STATE - Ineligible for Colonial Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year.  No chance at an at-large bid.
CENTRAL FLORIDA - Ineligible due to NCAA sanctions.
CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
NEW ORLEANS - Independent, no auto bid available.  No chance at an at-large bid.
CHICAGO STATE - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid. No chance at an at-large bid.
HOUSTON BAPTIST - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid. No chance at an at-large bid.
NJIT - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid. No chance at an at-large bid.
TEXAS PAN AMERICAN - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid. No chance at an at-large bid.
UTAH VALLEY - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid. No chance at an at-large bid.
TOLEDO - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
JACKSONVILLE STATE - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TEXAS A&M CORPUS CHRISTI - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TEXAS SOUTHERN - Ineligible due to NCAA sanctions for lack of institutional control.
NEBRASKA-OMAHA - Ineligible due to this being their first year in Division I.
FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON - Cannot reach the Northeast Conference Tourney.  No chance at at-large.
COLUMBIA - Cannot win the Ivy League title.  No conference tourney. Will not receive at-large.
DARTMOUTH - Cannot win the Ivy League title. No conference tourney. Will not receive at-large.

A few quick thoughts on tonight's action...

Great game at Hinkle.  Butler is a good team, but they need to find a way to hide Rotnei on the defensive end, he was getting exposed.  St. Louis just screams, team.  They play so well together.  Both teams had chances to take ahold of that game but couldn't make layups or free throws.  Looks like St. Louis will be the 1 seed in the A10 tourney.  Didn't see that coming. 

Read a tweet tonight that I thought was interesting.  It said that Butler is three buzzer beaters away from being a bubble team.  True, but I'm sure every team has had some close games that could have gone either way.  See, Temple.

Akron continues to roll.  They'll bring their undefeated conference record into the Convention Center in Athens, OH on Wednesday.  That place will be rocking.

A lot of big games on the docket for Saturday.  I like the Cuse over Georgetown.  I see Florida getting revenge over Arkansas.  Kansas getting big time revenge over TCU.  My upset pick of the day will be West Virginia over Oklahoma State.  WVU has to win one big game, right?  Right?

Ohio at Belmont to end the night, psyched for that one.

Please feel free to comment on anything, love to hear what everyone has to say.  Thanks for reading.

Curt

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Temple 82 LaSalle 74

Wow, what a showing by the Owls.  These kind of games get me pumped up for this team, but at the same time they make those Duquesne and St. Bonaventure losses sting even more.  Stick to the positives right?  Well, 18-8, 7-5 in the A10.  Not where we expected to be, but I'll take it for now.  Some thoughts on tonight's game and this team as a whole.  Enjoy.

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson will never in his life forget this game, no way.  23 points, 18 rebounds, 7 offensive, 5 assists, and at least five made jumpers, I mean are you freaking kidding me?  This guy takes a lot of grief from the Owls fans, and I always say he doesn't deserve it.  Rahlir is what he is, he's a defender and garbage scorer with a good basketball IQ.  If you expect him to do those things, you like the guy.  If you expect him to be a scorer and make plays, then you are going to be disappointed.  So basically, how you feel about Rahlir really just depends on what you expect from him.  I love his game for this team, this season.

As long as Wyatt is on this team the Temple Owls will always have a chance.  You can't even put into words what he does for this team.  I'm not even going to talk about it since we all know.  He's going to carry this team places this year, I feel it.

Anthony Lee finally ascerted himself early tonight.  When he is down low making plays, this team has a lot more confidence.  He's been in foul trouble a lot recently, need to get that under control.

Cummings is running the team a little better, he's rounding into form.  He's still young let's remember.

I thought Temple was in trouble early in this game when they missed at least four layups, and five three throws during a five minute stretch.  Then LaSalle couldn't make a shot for 8 minutes, so that made up for it.

Ok, I'm pretty sure I said I saw this coming.  I had a feeling that after Pepper had that one good game, he would think he was the man, and I think I was right on that one.  He shot four times in like a three minute span.  And I'm pretty sure no one watching thought that any of them were going to go in.  No your role bud.  Play D, and rebound.

There was a two possession span in that second half where LaSalle made a run and Wyatt never once touched the ball.  I watched him though and he just walked around under the basket and never actually came to get it.  I know he is probably tired and he trusts the rest of the team, but they need a bucket, he needs to come get it and make the play.  A few possessions later he scored a couple in a row, so he obviously did the right thing, but I feel like he took a few trips to long to get the game back under control.

Does Dunphy get any credit for this win?  Or do we only give him shit when they lose and no credit when they win?

Jake O'Brien is fun to watch, every time he shoots I think it is going in.

Glad to see the student section full and hyped.  I can't believe how pathetic Temple's home schedule has been this year, I don't even blame the kids.  The A10 really gave the Owls the big FU on that one.  Hopefully the students come to the next three games and support this team.

Can't believe that win only moved the Owls up 2 spots in the RPI, oh well, wins take care of that.

For what it's worth, 8 teams ahead of Temple have less than 7 wins against the RPI top 100. (Temple has 7.)

How pumped was Scootie when Rahlir was drilling those jumpers?  People rip on Scootie, but he is this teams leader.

I was thinking, could you honestly say any player on Temple is struggling right now?  I think they all are playing at a high level, hopefully they are on a ten game run right now, we can only hope.

Freshman didn't get any minutes, and I'm still ok with that.

Please don't lay an egg on Sunday, please.

Anyone have any agreements or disagreements?  Would love to hear them.  I don't live in Philly so I don't hear any local radio or tv chatter.  All I get is my own thoughts and a few articles on ESPN.

Thanks for reading.

Curt

Rahlit Hollis-Jefferson

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Today's Topics and More....2/20

Just some thoughts on today's topics and outcomes....

1. I'm all for Votto playing for Canada in the WBC.  If he wants to compete for his team and hit in some meaningful spots in the spring, that's fine by me.  It's not like he'll be doing anything different as far as working out and getting into shape.  I'm sure the guy knows his body and if he wants to slide hard into second in the WBC or a Cactus League game, then that's up to him and I for one trust him.  Then again, I'm not paying him 250 million dollars.

2.  As for Cueto, I think the Reds are doing the right thing by not letting him play for the Dominican.  To me pitchers need to just go through the motions in spring, work on their pitches, work on location, all that good stuff.  I know that in the WBC the starters still only through five innings and don't over do it, but you can't deny that they'll be pitching in some big spots and might try to overthrow.  Again, I'm sure Cueto knows his body and won't overdue it, but why even give him the chance?  Just better to go through a regular spring like normal and stay on track for Opening Day.

3. This NBA Trade Machine thing they got going on ESPN right now is hilarious.  I mean it's pretty cool how it works, but we all know that none of these trades are actually going to go down.  None of these big names are going anywhere, and if they do, they won't be the trades that these talking heads are proposing.  I use to think fake trades were cool, then I realized that they came true about 0.01% of the time and I lost all interest.

4. What is up with the weather on the PGA Tour this year?  Three missed days due to high winds in Hawaii. One lost day in Cali due to fog, and now the Match Play Event was suspended due to snow and ice, IN ARIZONA!!!!  What's next?  Hurricane at the Zurich in New Orleans??  Wait, that could actually happen.

5.  Heard Mitch Kupchak say today on ESPN that Dwight Howard is the Lakers future and he is not going anywhere.  Big mistake if you ask me.  He has to be my least favorite Laker of all time.  Dude gives no effort, isn't a good teammate, can't shoot, hasn't developed a post move in 8 years.  I mean what has he done except win the genetics lottery and get paid a shit load of money?

6.  Temple lost to Duquesne at home.  I still can't get over that.

7.  Bobcats nailed down win #20 today.  Huge two games ahead of them now.  At Belmont Saturday night on ESPN and home vs. undefeated Akron on Wednesday.  Can't imagine how intoxicated I would be at that Akron game if I were still in school.  Damn, that was 9 years ago now.

8.  Kentucky beats Vandy, quick, everyone jump on their nuts and say they are rounding into form.  Give me a break.

9.  RAHIM MOORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10.  I do believe the Lakers will make the playoffs.  Sure would be cool if they made it as a 7 seed and had to play the Clips in Round 1.  Even though they would get killed.

11.  Biggest game of the season for the Owls Thursday night.  Big 5 rivalry game at home against LaSalle.  Possible bubble spot on the line.  Big 5 title on the line.  Respect on the line.  I expect a one point victory.  Why not, they've played five straight one point games for God's sakes.

12.  Watching Kyrie Irving right now, dude is ridiculous.  Maybe Top 5 player in the NBA at this moment.

Any thoughts?  Would love to hear 'em.  Hopefully we'll get some NCAA Eliminations tomorrow.

Curt

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Dr. Brackets Volume III

When I need to see where my teams are going to be seeded in the NCAA Tourney, I turn to five Bracketologists.  I turn to Andy Glockner of CNNSI, then to Joe Lunardi of ESPN, then I hop over to Jerry Palm of CBS, and then over to warrennolan.com.  But after they all piss me off, I turn to the most accurate bracket predictor East of Cincinnati, and inside the 275 loop.  They call him Dr. Brackets.  His accuracy is uncanny, legend has it he picked every team correct one year when he was in college.  Nobody remembers that, but as I recall, a few things are forgotten in college.  Without further ado, here is the current bracket brought to you by Dr. Brackets. 

(Note: This is how Dr. Brackets believes the tourney would look if the season ended on February 18th.)
(Note II: Teams in all caps received conference automatic bid.)
(Note II: I've added some comments on some of these picks.)

1 SEEDS
INDIANA, MIAMI, FLORIDA, Duke
Does Duke warrant a one seed?  I start to say no, but then I look at the seeds below them, and I can't say that anyone else deserves it.

2 SEEDS
Syracuse, Michigan, Michigan State, KANSAS
If Louisville wins the Big East, they'll probably get a two seed instead of Syracuse, or instead of either Michigan or Michigan State, depending on which one loses early in the conference tourney.

3 SEEDS
GONZAGA, Georgetown, LOUISVILLE, ARIZONA
Arizona just isn't that good, but their record makes them look like they deserve this spot, so ok, they can have it.  Gonzaga's win at St. Mary's was huge, didn't see that coming.

4 SEEDS
Kansas State, Ohio State, NEW MEXICO, Marquette
If you really look at the Buckeyes resume, they don't deserve a 4 seed at all. 



5 SEEDS
Butler, Oregon, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State
Butler is a 5 now, but they will lose a few more A10 games and they won't be here when the real tourney starts.  Wisconsin is on the rise.

6 SEEDS
Cincinnati, Iowa State, North Carolina State, Notre Dame
Same with Cincy, they should be around a 9 seed.  What have you done for me lately?  This whole line of teams just makes me queasy, they all scream mediocre.

7 SEEDS
Colorado State, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, MEMPHIS, Pittsburgh
Memphis and Colorado State are scorching hot right now.  VCU is about to drop also, their A10 schedule the rest of the way is brutal.

8 SEEDS
CREIGHTON, St. Louis, Oklahoma, Minnesota
Creighton is on a downward spiral, whereas the Billikens are on fire.  Minnesota is a bust, they will be lucky to make the tourney when it's all said and done.



9 SEEDS
Unlv, Illinois, San Diego State, Missouri
Can't believe Illinois is on here, they make me sick.  Mizzou will also be lucky to get in when it is all said and done.

10 SEEDS
North Carolina, Colorado, Baylor, Wichita State
Wow, this line is an even bigger group of underachievers.  Either this tourney is going to be awesome this year or it's going to be pathetic.  Such a lack of actual good basketball teams.

11 SEEDS
Ucla, Alabama, LaSalle, Mississippi
LaSalle is a good team, they deserve to be in.  Alabama?  They deserve a bid?  I highly doubt it.

12 SEEDS
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE, St. Mary's, Temple, AKRON, Virginia, Air Force
You have my Owls in the tourney?  I would agree, but they are on really really thin ice. 



13 SEEDS
LOUISIANA TECH, VALPARAISO, DAVIDSON, BELMONT
La Tech having a great year.  No one wants to play Davidson or Belmont.  Either of those teams plays OSU and the Bucks are going home.

14 SEEDS
MONTANA, HARVARD, NORTHEASTERN, BUCKNELL
Montana is tough, but they may not get past Weber.   

15 SEEDS
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE, LONG BEACH STATE, STEPHEN F AUSTIN, NORFOLK STATE
Some good teams here.  With the mediocrity this year, I say a 15 seed definitely gets a win in the tourney.

16 SEEDS
MERCER, HIGH POINT, STONY BROOK, ROBERT MORRIS, NIAGARA, SOUTHERN
Good luck guys.  You have a 0.0% chance of winning against the one seed.

TWELVE BUBBLE TEAMS (One word or sentence on each.)
Kentucky - Toast
Arizona State - 5-5 in last ten.
Arkansas - No chance when committee looks at their road record.
Maryland - No way, false hope from that Duke win.
Villanova -  Weak team, good resume
Iowa - Ridiculously weak out of conference sked.
California - Crabbe is a stud.
St. Johns - They don't deserve to be on the bubble.
Brigham Young - 0 Top 50 RPI wins
Southern Mississippi - RPI of 35 looks decent
Charlotte - Nice road win over Butler
Boise State - 3-6 in last 9, won't cut it.

What does everyone think?  Any glaring ommissions?  Any total misseedings?  Any funny jokes you want to tryout in front of hundreds of readers?  Less than four weeks until Selection Sunday.  Stay tuned to the blog daily.  We'll have Dead or Alive posts, and conference tournament previews and reviews.  Thanks for reading.

Curt

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Predictions Revisited

With half of the conference season in the books, we revisit our picks and make changes if needed.  Guest blogger Jeremy Fiser is back with his take on a few of the major conferences.  We also make our Final Four predictions if the season ended today.  Enjoy.
(Note: Jeremy's picks were sent in on Sunday, I did mine on Wednesday night.)

JEREMY'S PICKS AND NOTES:

Big Ten:
Previous Pick - Indiana
Current Pick - Indiana
I purposely waited until after the IU v Michigan game to update this prediction because I just didn't know how they would match up. And even though Indiana won, its still really close - put them on a neutral court and I don't know who wins. I think these are not only the best two teams in the Big Ten, but probably the best two teams in the nation. I still give IU the edge on winning the Big Ten regular season. There is a chance the regular season crown gets settled during the last game of the regular season when IU v Michigan rematch - which will have major implications on not only the Big Ten, but the seeding for the Big Dance (there is a regional in Indy this year which both teams, especially IU, would love to play at). Illinois and Minnesota have dropped off significantly. Ohio State and Michigan State have potential to sneak up to the top line, and Wisconsin can still present some challenges - but until further notice, its a race between IU and Michigan. We will know more about the Buckeyes by next week - they play at Michigan and vs Indiana back to back. I dont think they are balanced enough to take down IU and I think Michigan will be hungry and bounce back at home Tuesday night.
ACC:
Previous Pick: Duke
Current Pick: Duke
Indiana State must be feeling pretty good right now - they are the last team to have beaten the red hot Miami Hurricanes. After smoking Duke (the team that I previously said would walk through the ACC - whoops), the U racked up another big win yesterday by buzzer beating NC State. The Dukies now sit with two losses in the ACC and play NC State again later this week - though NC State has had a tough go in the conference and now sits with four losses. However, I think Miami will drop a couple of close games between now and the end of the year and Duke will come out on top of the conference.
Big East:
Previous Pick: Louisville
Current Pick: Marquette
It doesnt seem like anyone wants to win this conference. Louisville was supposed to be better after Gorgui Dieng returned and their low post play was supposed to be bolstered - but they have instead dropped 3 of their last 4 and only beat Pitt by 3. Marquette sits with only one loss and only has to play Cuse and the Ville once a piece this year. I still dont think Marquette has any real impressive victories this year and hasnt been overly challenged yet - would have been nice to see them play Ohio State on the aircraft carrier - thanks Mother Nature. They got smoked by Florida and loss to Green Bay (?!?). But no one else in the Big East seems to want to step up to the top line.....so why not Marquette.
Big 12:
Pick: Kansas
Sure they got knocked off by an ok Oklahoma State. But Kansas will bounce back, will win the Big 12, and will get a number one seed by the end of the year.
Final Four Picks:
1. Indiana
2. Michigan
3. Kansas
4. Florida
 
 
CURT'S PICKS AND NOTES:
 
Previous Pick: Michigan
Current Pick: Michigan
Well, I agree with everything you said.  Michigan and Indiana are probably the two best teams in the nation.   Indiana has a one game lead in the conference and is probably the best team.  However, they still have to go to Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Minnesota.  I think they lose two of those, giving them three losses at least.  Michigan only has at Michigan State as far as ranked teams.  So I'll still give Michigan the nod.  And I already watched the game against Ohio State.  Great game.  Why was Craft shooting at the end?  Why does he put his hands on the offensive player and body him up the whole game and then complain when he gets a foul called on him?  I feel like we were all robbed by him not going to Duke.  He would be a perfect point guard for Coach K.  Flopping, getting away with holding, everything, he missed his calling.  Oh, and I'm going to gloat once here.  I was telling everyone that would listen that Illinois would collapse.  They suck.  Groce made a big mistake leaving Athens a year early.
 
Previous Pick: Duke
Current Pick: Miami
 
I'm switching my pick on this one.  I don't believe in Duke anymore.  The Ryan Kelly injury is huge, and Curry is just one misstep away from being hurt again.  When they aren't hitting threes, they really struggle.  Miami only has to play one tough road game the rest of the way.  So if they lose that game to Duke and drop one more game they'll only have two losses.  I would put money on Duke losing at least one game which means Miami should win the conference.  UNC looks like they may make the tournament.  Watch them play once, really tough to watch, like a pickup team with no direction at all, weird.
 
Previous Pick: Syracuse
Current Pick: Syracuse
 
I'll stick with the Cuse here.  I've watched these three teams play and they just seem to have the most talent.  They can't put it all together for some reason but they have better basketball players.  I don't know what Louisville's deal is.  They just don't score enough if you ask me.  And Marquette, ewww, I don't like them at all.  They'll be a one and done in the tourney.  A sleeper is Georgetown, they have some big games left, if they get hot, you never know.  Remember when USF made a huge run last year and beat Temple in the first round?  Errr, second round?  1-9, what the hell?
 
Pick: Kansas
 
I don't like Kansas at all.  I've watched them almost lose at home to Iowa State and Temple.  They still have to go to OK State, Iowa State, and Baylor.  They will still win this conference because I don't believe in any other team here.  But Kansas will not end up with a 1 seed, no way, no how.  Plus, I have the advantage of sitting here tonight watching them get worked by 0-8 TCU.  They might still win, but how does that happen?
 
FINAL FOUR PICKS:
1. Michigan
2. Indiana
3. Florida
4. Creighton
 
 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Dead or Alive??

Ok, here is the first installment of Dead or Alive, where we look at what teams no longer have a chance at winning the National Title.  There are 347 teams in Division I this year.  23 are out and 324 are still alive.  Only one can win it all.  Here is who officially has no chance and why they are out.  40 days until Selection Sunday.  Long way to go, lots of eliminations to come.  Enjoy.

BOSTON UNIVERSITY - Ineligible for America East Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year.  With 11 losses, no chance at an at-large bid.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY - Ineligible due to this being their first year in Division I.
UCONN - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
UC RIVERSIDE -  Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
UNC WILMINGTON - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TOWSON - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
OLD DOMINION - Ineligible for Colonial Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year.  With 20 losses, no chance at an at-large bid.
GEORGIA STATE - Ineligible for Colonial Conference Tourney due to leaving conference next year.  With 12 losses, no chance at an at-large bid.
CENTRAL FLORIDA - Ineligible due to NCAA sanctions.
CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
NEW ORLEANS - Independent, no auto bid available, 13 losses gives them no chance at an at-large bid.
CHICAGO STATE - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid.  No chance at an at-large bid with 16 losses.
HOUSTON BAPTIST - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid.  No chance at an at-large bid with 14 losses.
NJIT - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid.  No chance at an at-large bid with 11 losses.
TEXAS PAN AMERICAN - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid.  No chance at an at-large bid with 11 losses.
UTAH VALLEY - Great West Conference does not have an auto bid.  No chance at an at-large bid with 13 losses.
TOLEDO - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
JACKSONVILLE STATE - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TEXAS A&M CORPUS CHRISTI - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE - Ineligible due to NCAA Academic sanctions.
TEXAS SOUTHERN - Ineligible due to NCAA sanctions for lack of institutional control.
NEBRASKA-OMAHA - Ineligible due to this being their first year in Division I.

If you are aware of something I might have missed, please let me know.  Thanks for reading.

Curt