A hell of a season. But I have to say something right here from the start. FREE THROWS. FREE THROWS. FREE THROWS. And just for good measure I'll add FREE THROWS.
It really is mind boggling that this team shot the ball horribly, had an invisible Rod Wilmont, and missed free throw after free throw (not to mention 0 3-pointers) and they were still in the game with one of the best in the nation.
I have to put my hat out to several people though.
KELVIN SAMPSON- He had a solid first season when the Hoosiers were really desperate for one. He instilled the right lessons into this young team and had them improving every step of the way. Kelvin is going to be a great coach for Indiana for many years to come, and I am excited to see it.
RICK GREENSPAN- After a dissapointing season a year ago there was no question that Mike Davis had to go. But who would follow him up? Would it be Alford? Or Matta? Or Few? No it was Kelvin Sampson, a choice that came out of nowhere. But it was the correct choice for the program and really showed how good Greenspan is at his job. He didn't listen to the people around him, he just picked the guy he thought would be the best for the program. Congratulations Rick, things worked out very well.
D.J. WHITE- One heck of a game from a heck of a player. White played his butt off from the very start, and played with energy all night long. He got his hands on every rebound and blocked so many shots that it was unbelieveable. I hope this guy comes back next year because he could make a part of the dynamic duo inside.
LANCE STEMLER- For a guy that struggled all year long, this was a break out game. He didn't have his shot falling early, but worked his butt off on the defensive end and forced a lot of difficult shots. Then he hit several 3-pointers at the end that I'm sure will help his confidence for next year. Great game son, I look forward to seeing you in the future.
REST OF THE HOOSIERS- We have to take a look at that defensive effort. After the Gonzaga game on Thursday night I said that Indiana would have no chance unless they really buckled down on the defensive end. They did that. That was one of the best efforts I have ever seen in college basketball. If they can play that way next year and find more weapons on the offensive end then we could have an Elite Eight or Final Four caliber team.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
NCAA Tournament Pool Scoreboard
One round of the tournament is now complete, and here is the updated scoreboard. I am not sure but I believe we will run it with a point system of 1,2,4,8,16,32 unless anybody has any other ideas. I've been getting crap from my dad all morning about it (but look where he is in the standings). We don't have Paul's two brackets, so once those come in I will fill everybody in on the exact standings.
1. Don and Vicki- 28 points
2. Justin- 27 points
2. Marcia- 27 points
4. Rich- 26 points
5. Ryan- 25 points
5. Don- 25 points
5. Vicki- 25 points
8. Sue- 23 points
8. Henry and Aline Yarborough- 23 points
8. Kyle- 23 points
11. Chris- 20 points
11. Bob Wolf- 20 points
1. Don and Vicki- 28 points
2. Justin- 27 points
2. Marcia- 27 points
4. Rich- 26 points
5. Ryan- 25 points
5. Don- 25 points
5. Vicki- 25 points
8. Sue- 23 points
8. Henry and Aline Yarborough- 23 points
8. Kyle- 23 points
11. Chris- 20 points
11. Bob Wolf- 20 points
Sunday, March 11, 2007
NCAA Tourney
Today's the day. Finally. We've been waiting so long for this, six days-five days-four, and now we have reached Selection Sunday. Selection Sunday is an event that kicks off the greatest spectacle in sports, and interests so many people. Even the people that don't follow college basketball get into it because they want to get their brackets as perfect as possible. "Oh I like that name, I think I will pick them."
But anyway let's get to where I think certain teams will be seeded. Let's begin with Indiana. I was so angry when I went to bed on Friday that I don't know if I could watch the Hoosiers play again. I mean they threw that game away, and looked bad doing it. They had absolutely zero offensive movement all night long, and it really hurt them on the scoreboard. It just seems like Indiana's offense has deteriorated as the season has progressed, similar to its progression a year ago. You know there is something wrong when a true freshman guard is going one on one for a last shot. What was that all about? You have a 6-9 power forward in there, a guy that was supposed to be so great, and you have him flare out to the three point line? The call was questionable at best, and if those plays continue to be called then the Hoosiers will continue to lose. It's as simple as that. Kelvin Sampson let Bruce Weber get the best of him on the season, and should be at least a bit worried about his NCAA Tournament hopes. I think the Hoosiers get in, and come up with a No. 10 seed. I think they could make a mini run if they play the kind of ball they were playing at the beginning of the year. If not, it will be one and done.
Now for Butler. The Bulldogs have also been a recent disappointment. They have really struggled down the stretch, primarily because of A.J. Graves. Graves has not been himself lately, and Butler is really going to need him to play well if they are going to go anywhere this postseason. The Dawgs had a great opportunity to improve their seeding in the Horizon League Championship, but layed an egg against a solid Wright State team. The thing that people need to understand is that the Horizon League Championship game was the third time Butler had played Wright State on the season. When you play a team that many times it is hard to do what you normally do because they know what you want to do. Plus the game was played on Wright State's home floor, which is always a huge advantage. But Butler had a great season, and will get a No. 7 seed in the "Big Dance". It also has a chance to make a mini run, but Graves will have to lead by example and knock down big shots.
Let's move on and talk about the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame blew its chance at a top four seed when it failed to play defense against Georgetown. Everybody knows that the Irish should have been playing in that Big East title game, but they came up just short in the Semis. I think Notre Dame is the best team in Indiana, but it is really held back by its sub par defense. The Irish could score 100 points on a given night, but they can also give up a lot too. If they can buckle down on the defensive end during the tournament then I could see them going as far as the Elite Eight. But if not they could potentially get upset in the first round. They get a No. 5 seed.
Finally, it's time to talk about the Bubble Boilers. Purdue has been playing very good basketball of late, and probably deserve to make it in the tournament before a team like Indiana. The thing the Boilers have going for them is the fact that they ended the season on the strong note, a factor the selection committee definitely takes into account. When I was watching ESPN last night they were saying that it was either going to be Purdue or Illinois, but not both and I would agree with that. The Big Ten will get five teams in- Ohio State (No.1 overall seed), Wisconsin (2 seed), Indiana (10 seed), Michigan State (8 seed), and Purdue. I would take the Boilers over the Illini for the simple reason that Purdue beat Illinois in the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Purdue will get a No. 11, and has the potential to upset a No. 6, and maybe even a No. 3 in the second round. The Boilers are hot, and hot at the right time.
But anyway let's get to where I think certain teams will be seeded. Let's begin with Indiana. I was so angry when I went to bed on Friday that I don't know if I could watch the Hoosiers play again. I mean they threw that game away, and looked bad doing it. They had absolutely zero offensive movement all night long, and it really hurt them on the scoreboard. It just seems like Indiana's offense has deteriorated as the season has progressed, similar to its progression a year ago. You know there is something wrong when a true freshman guard is going one on one for a last shot. What was that all about? You have a 6-9 power forward in there, a guy that was supposed to be so great, and you have him flare out to the three point line? The call was questionable at best, and if those plays continue to be called then the Hoosiers will continue to lose. It's as simple as that. Kelvin Sampson let Bruce Weber get the best of him on the season, and should be at least a bit worried about his NCAA Tournament hopes. I think the Hoosiers get in, and come up with a No. 10 seed. I think they could make a mini run if they play the kind of ball they were playing at the beginning of the year. If not, it will be one and done.
Now for Butler. The Bulldogs have also been a recent disappointment. They have really struggled down the stretch, primarily because of A.J. Graves. Graves has not been himself lately, and Butler is really going to need him to play well if they are going to go anywhere this postseason. The Dawgs had a great opportunity to improve their seeding in the Horizon League Championship, but layed an egg against a solid Wright State team. The thing that people need to understand is that the Horizon League Championship game was the third time Butler had played Wright State on the season. When you play a team that many times it is hard to do what you normally do because they know what you want to do. Plus the game was played on Wright State's home floor, which is always a huge advantage. But Butler had a great season, and will get a No. 7 seed in the "Big Dance". It also has a chance to make a mini run, but Graves will have to lead by example and knock down big shots.
Let's move on and talk about the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame blew its chance at a top four seed when it failed to play defense against Georgetown. Everybody knows that the Irish should have been playing in that Big East title game, but they came up just short in the Semis. I think Notre Dame is the best team in Indiana, but it is really held back by its sub par defense. The Irish could score 100 points on a given night, but they can also give up a lot too. If they can buckle down on the defensive end during the tournament then I could see them going as far as the Elite Eight. But if not they could potentially get upset in the first round. They get a No. 5 seed.
Finally, it's time to talk about the Bubble Boilers. Purdue has been playing very good basketball of late, and probably deserve to make it in the tournament before a team like Indiana. The thing the Boilers have going for them is the fact that they ended the season on the strong note, a factor the selection committee definitely takes into account. When I was watching ESPN last night they were saying that it was either going to be Purdue or Illinois, but not both and I would agree with that. The Big Ten will get five teams in- Ohio State (No.1 overall seed), Wisconsin (2 seed), Indiana (10 seed), Michigan State (8 seed), and Purdue. I would take the Boilers over the Illini for the simple reason that Purdue beat Illinois in the only regular season meeting between the two teams. Purdue will get a No. 11, and has the potential to upset a No. 6, and maybe even a No. 3 in the second round. The Boilers are hot, and hot at the right time.
Friday, March 09, 2007
NOTRE DAME'S "GOLDEN" OPPORTUNITY
Notre Dame is known for its golden domers, and more for the football then any other sport. I mean, who knew the Irish had a basketball team too?
Well apparently they do, and they are playing some of the best ball in the country. Notre Dame (23-6) will take on the top seed in the Big East when it plays the Georgetown Hoyas at 7 p.m. this evening. Georgetown is the ninth ranked team in the nation, and is looking for a possible one or two seed in the "Big Dance".
Where exactly did the Irish come from? Well, let's take a look. A year ago Notre Dame was plagued by close loss after close loss, and had to rally late just to make it into the Big East tournament. After losing in the first round, the Irish found themselves in the N.I.T where they lost to the eventual champion Michigan Wolverines. But take a look at this. Notre Dame is the fourth best team in the Big East, and has a coach that won top honors in the the conference. And with all the other upsets, primarily in the ACC, the Irish have an opportunity to greatly improve their NCAA Tournament stock. If they finish the job and win the Big East Championship, then we are talking about a Notre Dame team that could be a three or four seed. On the other hand, if it were to lose today then they would probably end up in the six or seven range. That is a big difference when you have a field that is wide open, with only the top six or seven teams being considered "dominant" and teams you want to avoid. Don't look now, but Notre Dame could make a serious postseason push, that is if it can stop somebody.
Well apparently they do, and they are playing some of the best ball in the country. Notre Dame (23-6) will take on the top seed in the Big East when it plays the Georgetown Hoyas at 7 p.m. this evening. Georgetown is the ninth ranked team in the nation, and is looking for a possible one or two seed in the "Big Dance".
Where exactly did the Irish come from? Well, let's take a look. A year ago Notre Dame was plagued by close loss after close loss, and had to rally late just to make it into the Big East tournament. After losing in the first round, the Irish found themselves in the N.I.T where they lost to the eventual champion Michigan Wolverines. But take a look at this. Notre Dame is the fourth best team in the Big East, and has a coach that won top honors in the the conference. And with all the other upsets, primarily in the ACC, the Irish have an opportunity to greatly improve their NCAA Tournament stock. If they finish the job and win the Big East Championship, then we are talking about a Notre Dame team that could be a three or four seed. On the other hand, if it were to lose today then they would probably end up in the six or seven range. That is a big difference when you have a field that is wide open, with only the top six or seven teams being considered "dominant" and teams you want to avoid. Don't look now, but Notre Dame could make a serious postseason push, that is if it can stop somebody.
Monday, March 05, 2007
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
This year's Big Ten tourney is wide open, mostly because of mediocre play, but also because of the fact that everybody in this conference is so evenly matched. If you take out Ohio State and Penn State then there really isn't that much disparity. One game separates Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa. The Wolverines could easily be the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament, but they drop to 8 because of their loss to Ohio State. What I am trying to say is that postseason play in the Big Ten should be very exciting.
GAME 1: Michigan vs. Minnesota
I recently asked Terry Hutchens what is wrong with the Michigan Wolverines and he told me it was the "Tommy Amaker Factor". I mean they have four senior leaders, guys that have been through a lot. They had to go through the year when they were suspended from postseason play, a year where they may have made the tournament. I believe Dion Harris leads the Wolverines to a huge victory over the Gophers in this one, increasing the chances of an NCAA tournament bid.
Final Score: Michigan 77 Minnesota 59
GAME 2: (7) Michigan State vs. (10) Northwestern
JMV said it best when he said that Northwestern has absolutely no talent, they just play with heart. Well, heart alone doesn't get you too far in Big Ten basketball, so the Spartans should have a cake walk here, provided they don't all catch the flu! Michigan State wins in a game that is closer then it should have been and punch their ticket to the dance.
Final Score: Michigan State 71 Northwestern 62
GAME 3: (6) Illinois vs. (11) Penn State
I think you could make the argument that Illinois has one of the most athletic teams in the conference, if not in the nation. Rich McBride is a very good perimeter player, while Shawn Pruitt has the potential to be a monster inside. But the Illini have underachieved a little bit this season, and still have something to prove. I think they come out and get it done against the Nittany Lions, despite 20+ points from Geary Claxton.
Final Score: Illinois 72 Penn State 68
GAME 4: (1) Ohio State vs. (8) Michigan
If there's one thing I've learned from watching Big Ten tournaments in the past it's that the top seed usually is unmotivated. It will be very easy for the Buckeyes just to rest up for the Big Dance, and I could see that happening. But Michigan will run out of gas late in the game because of playing back to back days, and will fall in the closing seconds on a basket by Ron Lewis.
Final Score: Ohio State 75 Michigan 73
GAME 5: (4) Iowa vs. (5) Purdue
To tell you the truth, I really don't know what to expect in this game. Both the Hawkeyes and the Boilers have been streaky this season, so it's hard to predict what they are likely to do. I'm going to give the edge to Purdue because I think Teague and Landry really want to end their college careers in the NCAA Tournament, and that is not going to happen unless they win this game. It will be close, but a late Boilermaker run lifts them to victory.
Final Score: Purdue 64 Iowa 58
GAME 6: (2) Wisconsin vs. (7) Michigan State
I don't know if there is a game in this tournament that I am looking forward too more then this one. These two teams have met twice in the last couple of weeks, each team winning one. The Spartans very easily could be 2-0 against the Badgers, but Kammeron Taylor had different ideas on Saturday afternoon. I'm expecting this to be another close one, but you have to give the edge to Wisconsin because of Alando Tucker.
Final Score: Wisconsin 74 Michigan State 71
GAME 7: (3) Indiana vs. (6) Illinois
This is a huge game for both parties, you could make arguments both ways. If the Illini lose then I still expect them to get into the tournament, which I why I think this one is more important to the Hoosiers. If they could win this game, and at least perform well in the semi-final, then they could greatly increase their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. For Indiana to make it past the second round, it needs to be at least a No. 7 seed, preferably 6 or higher. If it has to play a No. 1 seed in the second round it could be ugly. Because of that fact, the Hoosiers will come out playing inspired and erase a double figure deficit to win this one.
Final Score: Indiana 70 Illinois 66
GAME 8: (1) Ohio State vs. (5) Purdue
I think this game will be closer then expected, but the Buckeyes will get the win because of Oden inside. Landry will have trouble staying out of foul trouble, and Teague will struggle from the outside. Ohio State makes another run into the Big Ten Championship hoping it won't end like it did last year.
Final Score: Ohio State 78 Purdue 69
GAME 9: (2) Wisconsin vs. (3) Indiana
The Hoosiers got the best of the Badgers in their first meeting, and they could do it again if a couple of things happen. First, Rod Wilmont and A.J. Ratliff have to continue to be aggressive. Both have disappeared at times this season, and that can't happen if they want to beat Wisconsin. They were extremely aggressive in the win over Penn State, allowing the Hoosiers to put up a season high 94 points. The second thing that must happen is D.J. White must be a factor inside. Teams that do well in tournaments have to have an inside and outside presence. I think he can handle the Badgers, especially Butchless, so the Hoosiers win a tough battle.
Final Score: Indiana 68 Wisconsin 67
GAME 10: (1) Ohio State vs. (3) Indiana
I wish I could tell you that the Hoosiers were going to come in and play their best game of the year and beat the Buckeyes, but I can't. I see Ohio State controlling the game from start to finish, and handing Indiana a double figure loss. The Hoosiers shouldn't feel bad though because they have greatly improved their stock for the dance.
Final Score: Ohio State 78 Indiana 67
GAME 1: Michigan vs. Minnesota
I recently asked Terry Hutchens what is wrong with the Michigan Wolverines and he told me it was the "Tommy Amaker Factor". I mean they have four senior leaders, guys that have been through a lot. They had to go through the year when they were suspended from postseason play, a year where they may have made the tournament. I believe Dion Harris leads the Wolverines to a huge victory over the Gophers in this one, increasing the chances of an NCAA tournament bid.
Final Score: Michigan 77 Minnesota 59
GAME 2: (7) Michigan State vs. (10) Northwestern
JMV said it best when he said that Northwestern has absolutely no talent, they just play with heart. Well, heart alone doesn't get you too far in Big Ten basketball, so the Spartans should have a cake walk here, provided they don't all catch the flu! Michigan State wins in a game that is closer then it should have been and punch their ticket to the dance.
Final Score: Michigan State 71 Northwestern 62
GAME 3: (6) Illinois vs. (11) Penn State
I think you could make the argument that Illinois has one of the most athletic teams in the conference, if not in the nation. Rich McBride is a very good perimeter player, while Shawn Pruitt has the potential to be a monster inside. But the Illini have underachieved a little bit this season, and still have something to prove. I think they come out and get it done against the Nittany Lions, despite 20+ points from Geary Claxton.
Final Score: Illinois 72 Penn State 68
GAME 4: (1) Ohio State vs. (8) Michigan
If there's one thing I've learned from watching Big Ten tournaments in the past it's that the top seed usually is unmotivated. It will be very easy for the Buckeyes just to rest up for the Big Dance, and I could see that happening. But Michigan will run out of gas late in the game because of playing back to back days, and will fall in the closing seconds on a basket by Ron Lewis.
Final Score: Ohio State 75 Michigan 73
GAME 5: (4) Iowa vs. (5) Purdue
To tell you the truth, I really don't know what to expect in this game. Both the Hawkeyes and the Boilers have been streaky this season, so it's hard to predict what they are likely to do. I'm going to give the edge to Purdue because I think Teague and Landry really want to end their college careers in the NCAA Tournament, and that is not going to happen unless they win this game. It will be close, but a late Boilermaker run lifts them to victory.
Final Score: Purdue 64 Iowa 58
GAME 6: (2) Wisconsin vs. (7) Michigan State
I don't know if there is a game in this tournament that I am looking forward too more then this one. These two teams have met twice in the last couple of weeks, each team winning one. The Spartans very easily could be 2-0 against the Badgers, but Kammeron Taylor had different ideas on Saturday afternoon. I'm expecting this to be another close one, but you have to give the edge to Wisconsin because of Alando Tucker.
Final Score: Wisconsin 74 Michigan State 71
GAME 7: (3) Indiana vs. (6) Illinois
This is a huge game for both parties, you could make arguments both ways. If the Illini lose then I still expect them to get into the tournament, which I why I think this one is more important to the Hoosiers. If they could win this game, and at least perform well in the semi-final, then they could greatly increase their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. For Indiana to make it past the second round, it needs to be at least a No. 7 seed, preferably 6 or higher. If it has to play a No. 1 seed in the second round it could be ugly. Because of that fact, the Hoosiers will come out playing inspired and erase a double figure deficit to win this one.
Final Score: Indiana 70 Illinois 66
GAME 8: (1) Ohio State vs. (5) Purdue
I think this game will be closer then expected, but the Buckeyes will get the win because of Oden inside. Landry will have trouble staying out of foul trouble, and Teague will struggle from the outside. Ohio State makes another run into the Big Ten Championship hoping it won't end like it did last year.
Final Score: Ohio State 78 Purdue 69
GAME 9: (2) Wisconsin vs. (3) Indiana
The Hoosiers got the best of the Badgers in their first meeting, and they could do it again if a couple of things happen. First, Rod Wilmont and A.J. Ratliff have to continue to be aggressive. Both have disappeared at times this season, and that can't happen if they want to beat Wisconsin. They were extremely aggressive in the win over Penn State, allowing the Hoosiers to put up a season high 94 points. The second thing that must happen is D.J. White must be a factor inside. Teams that do well in tournaments have to have an inside and outside presence. I think he can handle the Badgers, especially Butchless, so the Hoosiers win a tough battle.
Final Score: Indiana 68 Wisconsin 67
GAME 10: (1) Ohio State vs. (3) Indiana
I wish I could tell you that the Hoosiers were going to come in and play their best game of the year and beat the Buckeyes, but I can't. I see Ohio State controlling the game from start to finish, and handing Indiana a double figure loss. The Hoosiers shouldn't feel bad though because they have greatly improved their stock for the dance.
Final Score: Ohio State 78 Indiana 67
Saturday, March 03, 2007
UNBELIEVEABLE ATMOSPHERE
Saturday night in Assembly Hall was simply unbelieveable. I don't think I've ever heard a place get as loud as it did. When Rod Wilmont threw down that one handed dunk, the place just went crazy. What a great thing for the three Hoosier seniors to get to play in front of a crowd like that. It was special.
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