Thursday, April 30, 2009
Where Amazing Actually Happened
I really have nothing to say about the Bulls vs Celtics first round playoff series other than "wow". That's it. Every single play from the five minute mark of the fourth quarter on was hugely important and player after player stepped up tonight. For everyone who hates the NBA (and there are a TON of you haters out there), this is your chance: get on the bandwagon. Watch the games, appreciate the plays and the players, and admit to watching amazing happen. Go watch highlights and watch the ESPN "Instant Classic" that will surely air on Friday sometime. You have a reprieve, this is your chance to hop on and enjoy it. Or, don't get on the bandwagon. You, Mr. or Miss Hater, can just sit in your little house, put on your blinders, and complain to yourself about how much the NBA sucks. Tell yourself that the players don't care, they're overpayed, the play is bad, or whatever it is that you think. Then shut the hell up cause your negativity is distracting me while I watch yet another great game.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Follow Me and Everything is Alright...
I finally activated my Twitter account, and I need followers. I know, it's a far cry from being a member of Napoleon's army, a servant to Darth Vader, part of the Bad Boy Family, or a Kool-Aid drinker of Jim Jones...but humor me. "What's in it for me" you ask? Well, you'll be fortunate enough to receive instantaneous updates during sporting events, sarcastic comments about people and places, jokes specifically tailored to tick off Nickelback fans, and even reports on trips to the bathroom. Or maybe cool Bible verses instead of that last one.
Anyway, @kylepwinchester. That's the joint, yo. Twitter.com: do it.
Anyway, @kylepwinchester. That's the joint, yo. Twitter.com: do it.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
A Legacy of Champions
"The 2008-2009 version of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team is at a crossroads. The decision is very clearly laid out in front of each player and this collective group. The question is the same as Hulk Hogan asked the Ultimate Warrior prior to their match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania VI.
So Tar Heels, I ask you this: Do YOU want to live forever?
Do you want to live forever in the minds and hearts of fans? Do you want a book written about you? Do you want to watch "One Shining Moment" and smile and cry simultaneously? Do you want to make us crazy buying 8 shirts, 3 books, 3 DVDs, a commemorative towel, 2 hats, a dog sweater, a flag, and a Sports Illustrated subscription? Do you want to put a ring on it and raise a big banner?
Gone is the depth that was overflowing in the pre-season. Gone is the leadership and defense of Marcus Ginyard. Gone is the versatility of Will Graves. Gone, gone, gone. Now, laid out before this team, is the opportunity to wallow in a pit of frustration and despair, of "it just wasn't meant to be". Or, they can man up, commit to one another and their coach, and rally together as a team to complete the mission. It's not how you act, it's how you react. So, I bid you this question, Tar Heels:
Do you want to live forever?"
The above was written on February 4, 2009, following a home win over Maryland. It has been sitting unpublished on my Blogger account, the only unpublished entry I've ever had. I quit writing that night because I wanted to simmer down a bit. After all, the Heels had just blown out Maryland at home and won another game. But, they looked awful doing it. No defense, no rebounding, just on complete cruise control. Just the type of team that has no heart and loses in March when it matters. To make things worse, all of the off-court fallout occurred that same evening, as referenced above. It was never in doubt if this team was talented enough to win it all; I only questioned whether or not they were focused enough, tough enough, or had enough heart. I was just not sure how bad they wanted it, leading me to rhetorically ponder: did the 2008-2009 Tar Heels want to live forever?
Question answered.
The University of North Carolina won the 2009 National Championship Monday night, 89-72, capping off a focused run of dominance in the tournament known as March Madness. They played very well for the better part of six straight games and were tougher mentally and physically than all of their opponents. And, they played with incredible heart.
I think it was a bit lost on most everyone outside of the program just how badly these guys wanted to win the national title. Sure, everyone came back to school, but they almost seemed resigned to return, hoping to improve their NBA Draft stock and maybe win a title along the way. The season ebbed and flowed quite differently than everyone expected, with unexpected losses and lots of injuries. But, somewhere along the way, all of this adversity further unified these guys and brought about a determination that ultimately led the Heels to the top of college basketball. They committed defensively, they rebounded just well enough, they shared the basketball, and they won.
It would have been easy to answer my question with a "no". The challenges Coach Williams and his staff and players faced were indeed very difficult to deal with. The ridiculous expectations further complicated things, bringing about a collective pressure that few teams have faced. But, Carolina chose a different response. A loud, emphatic "yes, we want to live forever and we're going to look dang good doing it, too".
The Heels rolled through this tournament, sans a ten minute period against LSU in the second round. Monday night's game was over quickly, despite my cries of, "come on, it's not over yet!" Throughout the season, we have known that when Carolina plays its best, there is no team in the nation who can match them. A talented best, yes, but also with the heart of a lion. They understood what was at stake and embraced the opportunity to rise to the challenge, to capture the spotlight. The desire, the tenacity, the urgency. They played with heart, and, captured our hearts in the process.
We've talked about enjoying the ride all season. Keeping an eye on the big picture, not over-reacting to the bumps in the road, having fun watching this supremely-talented edition of Carolina basketball. The big picture left us with one collective goal, for all of the players, coaches, and fans: a national title. A question unanswered. Would they do it?
Well, the picture is complete, the question answered. The legacy of each and every one of these players will be tied to the legacy of this team, a team of champions. They have done it with heart and had fun along the way. As have we. So, thanks for the ride, guys. It was incredible to watch you and we appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears you poured into this season and your careers. I'll proudly tell Lil' Kyle how you came together and raised a banner, doing it with class and dignity. We will all cry (again) watching "One Shining Moment". We will wear our eight t-shirts and re-watch the DVD's for years. This season is not going away, it cannot be forgotten, and neither can any of these players and coaches.
Carolina basketball, you did it: you won the title. Carolina fans, we did it: we enjoyed the ride. And, along the way, we combined to answer to ultimate question.
Yes indeed, the 2008-2009 Tar Heels will live forever: as National Champions.
So Tar Heels, I ask you this: Do YOU want to live forever?
Do you want to live forever in the minds and hearts of fans? Do you want a book written about you? Do you want to watch "One Shining Moment" and smile and cry simultaneously? Do you want to make us crazy buying 8 shirts, 3 books, 3 DVDs, a commemorative towel, 2 hats, a dog sweater, a flag, and a Sports Illustrated subscription? Do you want to put a ring on it and raise a big banner?
Gone is the depth that was overflowing in the pre-season. Gone is the leadership and defense of Marcus Ginyard. Gone is the versatility of Will Graves. Gone, gone, gone. Now, laid out before this team, is the opportunity to wallow in a pit of frustration and despair, of "it just wasn't meant to be". Or, they can man up, commit to one another and their coach, and rally together as a team to complete the mission. It's not how you act, it's how you react. So, I bid you this question, Tar Heels:
Do you want to live forever?"
The above was written on February 4, 2009, following a home win over Maryland. It has been sitting unpublished on my Blogger account, the only unpublished entry I've ever had. I quit writing that night because I wanted to simmer down a bit. After all, the Heels had just blown out Maryland at home and won another game. But, they looked awful doing it. No defense, no rebounding, just on complete cruise control. Just the type of team that has no heart and loses in March when it matters. To make things worse, all of the off-court fallout occurred that same evening, as referenced above. It was never in doubt if this team was talented enough to win it all; I only questioned whether or not they were focused enough, tough enough, or had enough heart. I was just not sure how bad they wanted it, leading me to rhetorically ponder: did the 2008-2009 Tar Heels want to live forever?
Question answered.
The University of North Carolina won the 2009 National Championship Monday night, 89-72, capping off a focused run of dominance in the tournament known as March Madness. They played very well for the better part of six straight games and were tougher mentally and physically than all of their opponents. And, they played with incredible heart.
I think it was a bit lost on most everyone outside of the program just how badly these guys wanted to win the national title. Sure, everyone came back to school, but they almost seemed resigned to return, hoping to improve their NBA Draft stock and maybe win a title along the way. The season ebbed and flowed quite differently than everyone expected, with unexpected losses and lots of injuries. But, somewhere along the way, all of this adversity further unified these guys and brought about a determination that ultimately led the Heels to the top of college basketball. They committed defensively, they rebounded just well enough, they shared the basketball, and they won.
It would have been easy to answer my question with a "no". The challenges Coach Williams and his staff and players faced were indeed very difficult to deal with. The ridiculous expectations further complicated things, bringing about a collective pressure that few teams have faced. But, Carolina chose a different response. A loud, emphatic "yes, we want to live forever and we're going to look dang good doing it, too".
The Heels rolled through this tournament, sans a ten minute period against LSU in the second round. Monday night's game was over quickly, despite my cries of, "come on, it's not over yet!" Throughout the season, we have known that when Carolina plays its best, there is no team in the nation who can match them. A talented best, yes, but also with the heart of a lion. They understood what was at stake and embraced the opportunity to rise to the challenge, to capture the spotlight. The desire, the tenacity, the urgency. They played with heart, and, captured our hearts in the process.
We've talked about enjoying the ride all season. Keeping an eye on the big picture, not over-reacting to the bumps in the road, having fun watching this supremely-talented edition of Carolina basketball. The big picture left us with one collective goal, for all of the players, coaches, and fans: a national title. A question unanswered. Would they do it?
Well, the picture is complete, the question answered. The legacy of each and every one of these players will be tied to the legacy of this team, a team of champions. They have done it with heart and had fun along the way. As have we. So, thanks for the ride, guys. It was incredible to watch you and we appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears you poured into this season and your careers. I'll proudly tell Lil' Kyle how you came together and raised a banner, doing it with class and dignity. We will all cry (again) watching "One Shining Moment". We will wear our eight t-shirts and re-watch the DVD's for years. This season is not going away, it cannot be forgotten, and neither can any of these players and coaches.
Carolina basketball, you did it: you won the title. Carolina fans, we did it: we enjoyed the ride. And, along the way, we combined to answer to ultimate question.
Yes indeed, the 2008-2009 Tar Heels will live forever: as National Champions.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
One Last Ride
Greetings from snowy Detroit. Only two teams remain to play on college basketball's biggest stage on Monday night: the Heels and Spartans. It will be a battle between two of the nation's top programs, each led by terrific coaches and some quality upperclassmen. I can tell you first-hand that Ford Field will be full of green and white, even more so than it was on Saturday night. The Villanova and UCONN fans had no problem getting rid of their tickets for the remaining game thanks to the hometown Spartans' appearance, which will make Monday night a road game for the favored Tar Heels. Some notes on Detroit and the environment first, then analysis on the game itself, and finally a prediction.
The Motor City has been hit hard by the economic downturn in America - duh. We are all aware of that, and it's not the only city with such issues. I will tell you, though, that you don't realize how bad things are until you see it in person. Building after building, street corner after street corner, empty or falling apart. Comerica Park and Ford Field are beautiful facilities and the Detroit River area is gorgeous overlooking Windsor, Ontario...but that's about it. The event planning folks have done their best with what they have, but that has surely been tough. Hoops City is a long way from The Big Dance which is a really long way from Ford Field. In between are tons of bars and some casinos, but no really great areas to hang out and enjoy the Final Four atmosphere. The Carolina team hotel is incredibly small and cramped compared to others I've seen. There is little directional signage to show fans where to go and I personally do not think there have been enough police and security personnel away from the stadium. They did do a great job planning The Big Dance, the free music festival along the river. Fergie, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse McCartney, Staind, Pussycat Dolls, and...Keith Sweat. Needless to say, we checked into the Sweat Hotel and jammed pre-game Saturday afternoon.
The venue itself is great for football, but leaves a bit to be desired for hoops. Setting up the court in the center of Ford Field has turned into a good thing for the NCAA simply because Michigan St has survived this long and filled the joint. Had Louisville been the fourth team instead of Michigan St, this would have been the easiest Final Four ticket in history. As it was, I know of ten Carolina people or so that actually turned down tickets this week (are you kidding me?) for various reasons. Now, Monday night's ticket is really, really hot. Again, had this game not included the Spartans, it would have been the complete opposite. Anyway, our seats are on the club level, some of the best in the venue...and we're probably 150 yards from center court. Some of the seats on the floor along the sidelines stretch fifty yards beyond the baseline and are set below the court itself, making it darn near impossible to watch comfortably. I really question this decision by the NCAA to expand the seating long-term, but it has (luckily) been a success this season.
Some friends and I journeyed to Ann Arbor today to poke around and ate some delicious cuisine at a local joint, Afternoon Delight. We checked out The Big House and the hockey arena (amazing), as well as some shops downtown. Ann Arbor is much bigger than I remembered, but the campus is just great. Consistent architecture, green spaces, trees, and tons of students - very nice.
Now, on to the reason we're here. Monday night's game is going to be a battle. These two teams have a lot of respect for one another and will compete like warriors with the biggest prize on the line. Rebounding is a hot topic, as it should be, considering the Spartans are reputed to be the best in the country from season to season. Carolina is going to have to crash the glass as a team and hold their checks until the ball is secured. I really think continued defensive pressure by the Heels will create some missed Spartan shots and potentially lead to easy buckets, provided that the Heels get the rebound.
Michigan St supposedly wants to continue pushing the ball Monday night; I think that's BS. I see the Spartans trying to ugly this game up and slow it down, forcing Carolina to execute in the halfcourt against their terrific defense. On the other hand, Carolina will push the tempo per usual and look for easy buckets like the got in December.
Individually, Travis Walton is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and can guard Lawson or Ellington. I would imagine he'll at least start out on Ellington and try to keep Wayne from heating up early. He could really make a huge difference in this matchup if he is able to neutralize one of Carolina's weapons. Delvon Roe is healthy now and playing great ball. No doubt he is looking for a huge performance to remind Roy Williams and Co why they recruited him so hard last year. Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan were both sensational Saturday night, but I think both could struggle against Lawson and Green. Lucas really had a hard time keeping up with Tywon in December, but he took it personally and elevated his game the remainder of the season (not too dissimilar from Lawson's response to being torched by Jeff Teague). Carolina has to continue to be balanced offensively, and some bench points from Frasor and Davis would go a long way in helping out. A great game from Tyler Hansbrough should be in the books, as Michigan State honestly does not have a guy who can guard him individually - not Suton, not Roe. Look for the Spartans to concentrate on throwing some different looks (fronting, double-teams, etc) and really trying to keep him from easy offensive rebounds. Finally, Ty Lawson remains the ultimate key for Carolina. If Lawson dominates this game, things could turn out well. Rebound, defend, hit your free throws, and Ty Lawson.
So what will happen? Ford Field will be as loud as it can be for Michigan St and the Heels will have to remember how to win on the road. The entire country will be pulling for the underdogs to win in their home state and further uplift a city in economic despair. And someone will win. Either way, it's the last ride for us to enjoy. Monday night is definitely Tyler Hansbrough's last game in blue and white. Same for Danny Green, Bobby Frasor, and Mike Copeland. Go ahead and add Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to that list in my opinion. The next talented batch of players awaits to arrive on campus and try to win a national title. Next year, there will be new guys to have a man-crush on. But for now, live it up. This is why we watch every game and cheer with such vigor and passion. College basketball does not get better than playing for a National Championship on a Monday night in April, so soak up every moment and enjoy the last ride. Let's all hope this last ride ends with One Shining Moment.
Score: 82-71. Rah rah...
The Motor City has been hit hard by the economic downturn in America - duh. We are all aware of that, and it's not the only city with such issues. I will tell you, though, that you don't realize how bad things are until you see it in person. Building after building, street corner after street corner, empty or falling apart. Comerica Park and Ford Field are beautiful facilities and the Detroit River area is gorgeous overlooking Windsor, Ontario...but that's about it. The event planning folks have done their best with what they have, but that has surely been tough. Hoops City is a long way from The Big Dance which is a really long way from Ford Field. In between are tons of bars and some casinos, but no really great areas to hang out and enjoy the Final Four atmosphere. The Carolina team hotel is incredibly small and cramped compared to others I've seen. There is little directional signage to show fans where to go and I personally do not think there have been enough police and security personnel away from the stadium. They did do a great job planning The Big Dance, the free music festival along the river. Fergie, Gavin DeGraw, Jesse McCartney, Staind, Pussycat Dolls, and...Keith Sweat. Needless to say, we checked into the Sweat Hotel and jammed pre-game Saturday afternoon.
The venue itself is great for football, but leaves a bit to be desired for hoops. Setting up the court in the center of Ford Field has turned into a good thing for the NCAA simply because Michigan St has survived this long and filled the joint. Had Louisville been the fourth team instead of Michigan St, this would have been the easiest Final Four ticket in history. As it was, I know of ten Carolina people or so that actually turned down tickets this week (are you kidding me?) for various reasons. Now, Monday night's ticket is really, really hot. Again, had this game not included the Spartans, it would have been the complete opposite. Anyway, our seats are on the club level, some of the best in the venue...and we're probably 150 yards from center court. Some of the seats on the floor along the sidelines stretch fifty yards beyond the baseline and are set below the court itself, making it darn near impossible to watch comfortably. I really question this decision by the NCAA to expand the seating long-term, but it has (luckily) been a success this season.
Some friends and I journeyed to Ann Arbor today to poke around and ate some delicious cuisine at a local joint, Afternoon Delight. We checked out The Big House and the hockey arena (amazing), as well as some shops downtown. Ann Arbor is much bigger than I remembered, but the campus is just great. Consistent architecture, green spaces, trees, and tons of students - very nice.
Now, on to the reason we're here. Monday night's game is going to be a battle. These two teams have a lot of respect for one another and will compete like warriors with the biggest prize on the line. Rebounding is a hot topic, as it should be, considering the Spartans are reputed to be the best in the country from season to season. Carolina is going to have to crash the glass as a team and hold their checks until the ball is secured. I really think continued defensive pressure by the Heels will create some missed Spartan shots and potentially lead to easy buckets, provided that the Heels get the rebound.
Michigan St supposedly wants to continue pushing the ball Monday night; I think that's BS. I see the Spartans trying to ugly this game up and slow it down, forcing Carolina to execute in the halfcourt against their terrific defense. On the other hand, Carolina will push the tempo per usual and look for easy buckets like the got in December.
Individually, Travis Walton is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and can guard Lawson or Ellington. I would imagine he'll at least start out on Ellington and try to keep Wayne from heating up early. He could really make a huge difference in this matchup if he is able to neutralize one of Carolina's weapons. Delvon Roe is healthy now and playing great ball. No doubt he is looking for a huge performance to remind Roy Williams and Co why they recruited him so hard last year. Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan were both sensational Saturday night, but I think both could struggle against Lawson and Green. Lucas really had a hard time keeping up with Tywon in December, but he took it personally and elevated his game the remainder of the season (not too dissimilar from Lawson's response to being torched by Jeff Teague). Carolina has to continue to be balanced offensively, and some bench points from Frasor and Davis would go a long way in helping out. A great game from Tyler Hansbrough should be in the books, as Michigan State honestly does not have a guy who can guard him individually - not Suton, not Roe. Look for the Spartans to concentrate on throwing some different looks (fronting, double-teams, etc) and really trying to keep him from easy offensive rebounds. Finally, Ty Lawson remains the ultimate key for Carolina. If Lawson dominates this game, things could turn out well. Rebound, defend, hit your free throws, and Ty Lawson.
So what will happen? Ford Field will be as loud as it can be for Michigan St and the Heels will have to remember how to win on the road. The entire country will be pulling for the underdogs to win in their home state and further uplift a city in economic despair. And someone will win. Either way, it's the last ride for us to enjoy. Monday night is definitely Tyler Hansbrough's last game in blue and white. Same for Danny Green, Bobby Frasor, and Mike Copeland. Go ahead and add Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington to that list in my opinion. The next talented batch of players awaits to arrive on campus and try to win a national title. Next year, there will be new guys to have a man-crush on. But for now, live it up. This is why we watch every game and cheer with such vigor and passion. College basketball does not get better than playing for a National Championship on a Monday night in April, so soak up every moment and enjoy the last ride. Let's all hope this last ride ends with One Shining Moment.
Score: 82-71. Rah rah...
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Preview This
Four teams remain with title aspirations and I'll be there to see them settle it this weekend. Tickets are moving pretty easy this year, so it's possible to go (thank you NCAA folks for choosing Detroit to host this wonderful event. Snow is in the forecast for Monday, so I've got to pack a toboggan and gloves).
UCONN over Michigan St. I think the Huskies are really, really good. They can run with you, but are also perfectly comfortable in the halfcourt. They have the athletes and strength to rebound with the Spartans, plus they can really get out and defend them as well. Louisville's 2-3 zone was a bit soft for my taste last Sunday and did not provide near enough pressure on Michigan State's shooters. Though the Spartans are not a great shooting team, they will readily knock down open shots like the Cardinals gave them. I do not forsee UCONN providing near as many quality looks at the basket. Kemba Walker is a key for the Huskies; if he plays like he did against Missouri, this team will cut down the nets. He's just a freshman, but he will be a high NBA pick one day soon. I am afraid we have not seen his best yet, and what we have seen has been really good. Michigan State certainly has the home-court advantage going for them, but in the end, I just do not think that will be enough. Score: UCONN 70 Michigan St 58.
Carolina over Villanova. The Wildcats remind me a lot of Arizona's 1997 title team (*shudders*): good guards who spread you out, a capable wing player, two solid post guys, and a short bench. Scottie Reynolds has the ability to go for 30 any night and Dante Cunningham can bang with anybody despite being a bit undersized. Contrary to what you might assume, Villanova outrebounds their opponents by four per game, and they do this by being quicker to the ball. It will be essential that the Tar Heels' big men get a body on every Wildcat when heading to the glass. Villanova also has some "destiny" feel to them, plus the revenge factor stemming from 2005 (if I hear one more thing about the "controversy" from that game, I'm going to puke). However, North Carolina is a better team. Lawson is the best point guard in the nation, Hansbrough one of the best big men. Ellington and Green might be the best 2/3 combo and Deon Thompson is no slouch. Add in some good depth and an NBA Lottery big man or two coming off the bench and you have the country's best team. That does not mean anything in the Final Four unless this group plays as a unit and plays effeciently. Defense like last weekend and attacking the boards with tenacity will be required to advance to Monday night. Ultimately, I think Ty Lawson proves yet again to be the difference. Score: Carolina 78 Villanova 74.
Holler at me if you'll be in Detroit.
Rah rah...
UCONN over Michigan St. I think the Huskies are really, really good. They can run with you, but are also perfectly comfortable in the halfcourt. They have the athletes and strength to rebound with the Spartans, plus they can really get out and defend them as well. Louisville's 2-3 zone was a bit soft for my taste last Sunday and did not provide near enough pressure on Michigan State's shooters. Though the Spartans are not a great shooting team, they will readily knock down open shots like the Cardinals gave them. I do not forsee UCONN providing near as many quality looks at the basket. Kemba Walker is a key for the Huskies; if he plays like he did against Missouri, this team will cut down the nets. He's just a freshman, but he will be a high NBA pick one day soon. I am afraid we have not seen his best yet, and what we have seen has been really good. Michigan State certainly has the home-court advantage going for them, but in the end, I just do not think that will be enough. Score: UCONN 70 Michigan St 58.
Carolina over Villanova. The Wildcats remind me a lot of Arizona's 1997 title team (*shudders*): good guards who spread you out, a capable wing player, two solid post guys, and a short bench. Scottie Reynolds has the ability to go for 30 any night and Dante Cunningham can bang with anybody despite being a bit undersized. Contrary to what you might assume, Villanova outrebounds their opponents by four per game, and they do this by being quicker to the ball. It will be essential that the Tar Heels' big men get a body on every Wildcat when heading to the glass. Villanova also has some "destiny" feel to them, plus the revenge factor stemming from 2005 (if I hear one more thing about the "controversy" from that game, I'm going to puke). However, North Carolina is a better team. Lawson is the best point guard in the nation, Hansbrough one of the best big men. Ellington and Green might be the best 2/3 combo and Deon Thompson is no slouch. Add in some good depth and an NBA Lottery big man or two coming off the bench and you have the country's best team. That does not mean anything in the Final Four unless this group plays as a unit and plays effeciently. Defense like last weekend and attacking the boards with tenacity will be required to advance to Monday night. Ultimately, I think Ty Lawson proves yet again to be the difference. Score: Carolina 78 Villanova 74.
Holler at me if you'll be in Detroit.
Rah rah...
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
As Promised...
Adam Lucas' piece on Marcus Ginyard, courtesy of TarHeelBlue.com.
A few other quick thoughts on the week in college hoops:
- Outstanding hire by the University of Kentucky. That's all you're going to read these next few days, and rightfully so. When Billy Gillispie was forced out, the natural candidates to me were Rick Pitino (might as well ask him if he's interested in returning) and John Calipari. I laughed when I read last week, according to a source close to Calipari, that he would not be interested in the UK job. Are you joking? If it's not the best job in America, it's certainly in the top five. Plus, you knew they would be willing to pay big bucks. Combine that with Calipari's interest in coaching in a major conference and you have the next Wildcats coach. Things just got tougher in recruiting for the Heels, Blue Devils, Jayhawks, and other major programs, as Calipari might be the best recruiter in the nation and is now coaching for one of the best programs in the nation. Consider that, depending on how things shake out with the Memphis recruits, Calipari could realistically have a lineup next season with Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Xavier Henry (doubtful), Jon Hood, and Daniel Orton. Definitely an NCAA Tournmament team right there.
- Interesting hire by Univeristy of Virginia, who have brought in Tony Bennett from Washington St to lead their program. He meets their criteria: young coach who is polished, effective communicator, even-keeled, and successful. He also brings a very slow-paced offense that some are saying will drive away recruits. Um, what recruits? It's not like UVA is consistently bringing in McDonald's All-Americans here. Landesberg was great as a freshmen and Tristin Spurlock will be as well (if he stays with UVA), but I would not claim to be losing a lot of top-level guys when you are already losing those same guys because...well, because you're losing. I personally like the hire and think Bennett is a good coach with a lot of potential. Time will tell though.
- Mike Anderson is making the right decision by staying at Missouri. They have a good following and nice facilities, plus it is indeed possible to win big in the Big 12. The folks at Georgia are certainly emphasizing basketball more now than in the past, but it seems like a lateral move at best. Plus, the SEC is not any easier to win in than the Big 12, not when Kentucky and Florida are around, plus other good programs like LSU and Tennessee.
- Heading to Detroit for another Final Four this weekend. Everything is taken care of much earlier than it has been in years past, and Balla and I are pumped to see the Heels. Not so pumped about Detroit itself, but let's all collectively get over that. Anyway, I am looking forward to the games and hopefully a better ending than last year, but the best part is taking folks to their first Final Four. I was completely in awe in 2005 with my Dad and tried to soak in as much as possible. Last year was a bit disjointed because we stayed outside of San Antonio, but our entire group was pumped. This year brings a couple of new folks to the mix for their first event. I am just wondering who is going to sit with me at the coaches' hotel and people-watch with a pitcher of Yuengling.
- McDonald's High School All-American game is Wednesday night and four future Tar Heels will be playing: Dexter Strickland, John Henson, and the Wear twins, David and Travis. Henson is the highest-rated of the four, but Strickland might be pushing for the starting lineup next season as well, depending on who leaves early. Tune in and check'em out.
We'll have some in-depth Final Four analysis later on Wednesday night or Thursday.
A few other quick thoughts on the week in college hoops:
- Outstanding hire by the University of Kentucky. That's all you're going to read these next few days, and rightfully so. When Billy Gillispie was forced out, the natural candidates to me were Rick Pitino (might as well ask him if he's interested in returning) and John Calipari. I laughed when I read last week, according to a source close to Calipari, that he would not be interested in the UK job. Are you joking? If it's not the best job in America, it's certainly in the top five. Plus, you knew they would be willing to pay big bucks. Combine that with Calipari's interest in coaching in a major conference and you have the next Wildcats coach. Things just got tougher in recruiting for the Heels, Blue Devils, Jayhawks, and other major programs, as Calipari might be the best recruiter in the nation and is now coaching for one of the best programs in the nation. Consider that, depending on how things shake out with the Memphis recruits, Calipari could realistically have a lineup next season with Jodie Meeks, Patrick Patterson, John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Xavier Henry (doubtful), Jon Hood, and Daniel Orton. Definitely an NCAA Tournmament team right there.
- Interesting hire by Univeristy of Virginia, who have brought in Tony Bennett from Washington St to lead their program. He meets their criteria: young coach who is polished, effective communicator, even-keeled, and successful. He also brings a very slow-paced offense that some are saying will drive away recruits. Um, what recruits? It's not like UVA is consistently bringing in McDonald's All-Americans here. Landesberg was great as a freshmen and Tristin Spurlock will be as well (if he stays with UVA), but I would not claim to be losing a lot of top-level guys when you are already losing those same guys because...well, because you're losing. I personally like the hire and think Bennett is a good coach with a lot of potential. Time will tell though.
- Mike Anderson is making the right decision by staying at Missouri. They have a good following and nice facilities, plus it is indeed possible to win big in the Big 12. The folks at Georgia are certainly emphasizing basketball more now than in the past, but it seems like a lateral move at best. Plus, the SEC is not any easier to win in than the Big 12, not when Kentucky and Florida are around, plus other good programs like LSU and Tennessee.
- Heading to Detroit for another Final Four this weekend. Everything is taken care of much earlier than it has been in years past, and Balla and I are pumped to see the Heels. Not so pumped about Detroit itself, but let's all collectively get over that. Anyway, I am looking forward to the games and hopefully a better ending than last year, but the best part is taking folks to their first Final Four. I was completely in awe in 2005 with my Dad and tried to soak in as much as possible. Last year was a bit disjointed because we stayed outside of San Antonio, but our entire group was pumped. This year brings a couple of new folks to the mix for their first event. I am just wondering who is going to sit with me at the coaches' hotel and people-watch with a pitcher of Yuengling.
- McDonald's High School All-American game is Wednesday night and four future Tar Heels will be playing: Dexter Strickland, John Henson, and the Wear twins, David and Travis. Henson is the highest-rated of the four, but Strickland might be pushing for the starting lineup next season as well, depending on who leaves early. Tune in and check'em out.
We'll have some in-depth Final Four analysis later on Wednesday night or Thursday.
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