The official tournament time thread

[adubroff]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

90s Lute Olsen?

SI

Boeheim, Lute, Self....I'd put Roy Williams in there too myself. I am not sure who gets the 5th slot. Maybe Rick Barnes.

I don't get the Kansas timeout there, if you're the worse coach stopping the clock to let the other coach set things up is usually a dumb move.

[SirFozzie]

Double screen for Curry to take the three, I bet.

[Jas_lov]

Go for the 3 and the win. Will Curry choke this time?

[Young Drachma]

I was afraid of that. Fuck Kansas.

[INDalltheway]

BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK

[sterlingice]

They weren't letting him get that shot

SI

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn. Still a great game.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

An all #1 final four is super lame.

But it does make for one hell of a pile of quality in terms of teams left.

SI

[Young Drachma]

Still impressive that they held them to just 59 points. Great game.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

But it does make for one hell of a pile of quality in terms of teams left.

SI

If you're into that.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

But it does make for one hell of a pile of quality in terms of teams left.

SI

Could argue it truly does award the national championship to the best team all year.

I know Curry is your best player, but does he try to do too much by himself at times?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Could argue it truly does award the national championship to the best team all year.

I know Curry is your best player, but does he try to do too much by himself at times?

I guess the theory is, if your best player isn't taking the last shot at the end of the game...everyone asks why not? But this isn't the pros and I would've loved to see them give the ball to someone else in that instance or at least, try to make it more interesting than draining the clock to take a shot that Kansas clearly wasn't gonna let them get a clear look for.

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Could argue it truly does award the national championship to the best team all year.

I know Curry is your best player, but does he try to do too much by himself at times?

He has to -- have you seen his teammates? Honestly, Davidson's players aren't particularly good outside of Curry. Different than George Mason's run, where GMU was a collection of several legitimately outstanding college basketball players. Davidson is basically a one (incredible) man show.

Kansas had an easy defensive job on that last possession because there was really no plausible second option to worry about.

[Young Drachma]

Maybe college football presidents are watching and have decided that maybe a playoff isn't such a bad idea, with all four #1s making it through.

[MrBug708]

Meh. I thought Self draw up the worst possible play and that is what Davidson drew up?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Do you drawn down the clock and take the 3 to win it? Or do you try to make a quick 2 to tie it and put the pressure on Kansas?

Answer: not the first one. If you're gonna go for the three, it needs to be faster than that so you can foul Kansas if you have to.

You don't waste 9 seconds and then get your ass doubleteamed with three seconds left. Ugh.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by SackAttack

Answer: not the first one. If you're gonna go for the three, it needs to be faster than that so you can foul Kansas if you have to.

You don't waste 9 seconds and then get your ass doubleteamed with three seconds left. Ugh.

That's how I felt. I was wondering if it was just me, tho. Coach probably was trying to create the dramatic ending, rather than going with the sensible choice. I think Larranaga the year GMU made it to the Final Four didn't just have a group o' horses who made it through, he was a hell of a gameday coach during that run and seemed to know his guys well enough to manage them through tough situations. Plus, they had a bit more size, too.

Still, a hell of an impressive run by Davidson and I'm sure Davidson's admissions team is going to be plenty busy with the spike in applications they get in the next year after this.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

That's how I felt. I was wondering if it was just me, tho. Coach probably was trying to create the dramatic ending, rather than going with the sensible choice. I think Larranaga the year GMU made it to the Final Four didn't just have a group o' horses who made it through, he was a hell of a gameday coach during that run and seemed to know his guys well enough to manage them through tough situations. Plus, they had a bit more size, too.

Still, a hell of an impressive run by Davidson and I'm sure Davidson's admissions team is going to be plenty busy with the spike in applications they get in the next year after this.

I guess that's why I asked about trying to make plays himself. Three straight Southern Conference tournament championships (and the last two South Division regular season titles), three straight NCAA tournament appearances, and an Elite Eight appearance, Davidson is craving out a nice rep for themselves. And this is still a rather young team, lead by Curry.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Maybe college football presidents are watching and have decided that maybe a playoff isn't such a bad idea, with all four #1s making it through.

Not gonna happen. I think we will go to Mars before we get a college football playoff.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I guess that's why I asked about trying to make plays himself. Three straight Southern Conference tournament championships (and the last two South Division regular season titles), three straight NCAA tournament appearances, and an Elite Eight appearance, Davidson is craving out a nice rep for themselves. And this is still a rather young team, lead by Curry.

I looked at their league web site and saw they went 20-0 in that conference this year. That's nuts. If they can recruit a JUCO kid to come in there and give them some inside help (a glasseating, rebounder) then they'd be likely to make another run. They could use other stuff too, but...Curry shouldn't leave there and I think this run solidifies that he needs to still develop his game before he can really be a contributor at the next level.

Plus he looks 14.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Maybe college football presidents are watching and have decided that maybe a playoff isn't such a bad idea, with all four #1s making it through.

Shut yur mouf.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by bsak16

Not gonna happen. I think we will go to Mars before we get a college football playoff.

I was largely joking, because so many folks complain about how March Madness waters down the college basketball regular season or "renders it meaningless" because so many schools like Davidson are even allow to play in it at all. I mean, that's the thing. We'd never be afford the Xavier or Davidson or George Mason's of the world in college football. I know the game is different, but the premise is the same. The selection committee learned how to rid itself of mid-majors pulling upsets by scheduling them to play each other in the tourney, but at least they get a seat at the banquet rather than being forced to be perfect and even then, not getting a shot to dance.

[MizzouRah]

Excellent game - Davidson and Kansas. Should be a great game NC vs KC, c'mon Tarheels!!!

I'll agree though, that last Davidson play fell apart quickly - I think it was more of Kansas's defense than Davidson's shot selection though.

[whomario]

If now everyone seriously starts talking about that one play i´m going to vomit. Or even about the supbar shooting percentage as i´ve rarely seen a perimeter player being guarded as tight as Curry today, speak about concentrating on stopping a guy.I´ve hardly ever seen a guy getting that much attention from a whole opposing team than him tonight, that won´t happen in the NBA. As much heart as this Davidson team showed, everyone outside of Curry was 100% outmatched in terms of athleticism and skills. Without Curry´s presence and a random decent player in his place that also scores 20 or so points there´s still no way they get even 35 points against Kansas tonight. It was insane how much attention he drew. I mean, there´s no way they get that "many" (relative term) 2nd chance opportunities without Kansas doubling him on every screen and sending a 3rd guy ready to help on the dribble.
Even when Barr hit those 3 3s (btw, that sequence had me literally jumping up and down) Kansas didn´t even think about stopping to double team Curry off of every screen and every touch.

They and Curry as a single player did so many things good and above expectations, you really shouldn´t spoil that by talking too much about that last play.
That they didn´t loose by 20 is a miracle because.

If you ant to talk about how this looks in terms of Curry´s pro chances : He´s not going to be defended like Kobe Bryant in the pro´s (and even Kobe isn´t defended that extreme on most nights) , so that should be fine.
But i hope he stays another year, this team was fun. And i wouldn´t want to be in McKillop´s place if Curry would leave, speak about a big, big hole to fill.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I looked at their league web site and saw they went 20-0 in that conference this year. That's nuts. If they can recruit a JUCO kid to come in there and give them some inside help (a glasseating, rebounder) then they'd be likely to make another run. They could use other stuff too, but...Curry shouldn't leave there and I think this run solidifies that he needs to still develop his game before he can really be a contributor at the next level.

Plus he looks 14.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/28/sp...8davidson.html

They seem to like to go abroad for talent.

[Young Drachma]

Oh wow. That's really, really smart recruiting. Use those deep pockets to recruit foreigners who are good students generally, who aren't part of the American hype that kids in the states are and don't have as much interest in "trying to go pro" or whatever. Admissions probably loves it too because at a small school like that, having a high percentage of international students allows them to tout their diversity, so making more than half the basketball team foreign just adds to that.

That's a smart niche.

[MrBug708]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

An all #1 final four is super lame.

Not at all. The best vying for it all

[wbatl1]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I looked at their league web site and saw they went 20-0 in that conference this year. That's nuts. If they can recruit a JUCO kid to come in there and give them some inside help (a glasseating, rebounder) then they'd be likely to make another run. They could use other stuff too, but...Curry shouldn't leave there and I think this run solidifies that he needs to still develop his game before he can really be a contributor at the next level.

Plus he looks 14.

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Oh wow. That's really, really smart recruiting. Use those deep pockets to recruit foreigners who are good students generally, who aren't part of the American hype that kids in the states are and don't have as much interest in "trying to go pro" or whatever. Admissions probably loves it too because at a small school like that, having a high percentage of international students allows them to tout their diversity, so making more than half the basketball team foreign just adds to that.

That's a smart niche.

They used to be almost completely foriegn, but now are about half-and-half foriegn and domestic. The key for thier recruiting is that their recruits absolutely must be smart, because I know a professor there and he says that they don't take dumb kids, period. An interesting stat, actually, is that, at least for a while, the SAT of their entering athletes was actually higher than the freshman class in general (averaged 1390 for athletes to 1370 for general freshmen). This was all in an ESPN article either last year or the year before, but I can't find it now (does ESPN have an archives section?).

Oh, and I quoted the first post just to say that it is highly unlikely that they will be able to get a JUCO transfer past their admissions folks, even if McKillop wanted him on the team.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I'm betting Cartman is drinking heavily right now

Originally Posted by Noop

Cartman based on what i know isn't like some other fans on this board, seems to me, that he is a mellow fellow compared to some of the other die-hard fans on this board.

Originally Posted by cartman

Dola,

I have to drive up to Ft. Worth tonight, so no drowning my basketball sorrows in sweet, sweet beer until later.

Well, the services aren't going to be held until Friday and Saturday, so no reason for me to drive up to Ft. Worth tonight. I downed a bottle of wine with dinner tonight to soften the blow of the loss(es).

Truth be told, I'd probably be getting hammered tonight win or lose. Texas went 2-1 this season against the Final Four.

[sterlingice]

For us, Lawrence is pretty much crazy right now, as expected. With as brutal a field as there is for the Final Four this year, I'm glad for the week to just sit back and celebrate getting there because I'm not a huge fan of our odds from here out.

SI

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by wbatl1

They used to be almost completely foriegn, but now are about half-and-half foriegn and domestic. The key for thier recruiting is that their recruits absolutely must be smart, because I know a professor there and he says that they don't take dumb kids, period. An interesting stat, actually, is that, at least for a while, the SAT of their entering athletes was actually higher than the freshman class in general (averaged 1390 for athletes to 1370 for general freshmen). This was all in an ESPN article either last year or the year before, but I can't find it now (does ESPN have an archives section?).

Oh, and I quoted the first post just to say that it is highly unlikely that they will be able to get a JUCO transfer past their admissions folks, even if McKillop wanted him on the team.

Good info.

[Glengoyne]

Originally Posted by LloydLungs

He has to -- have you seen his teammates? Honestly, Davidson's players aren't particularly good outside of Curry. Different than George Mason's run, where GMU was a collection of several legitimately outstanding college basketball players. Davidson is basically a one (incredible) man show.

Kansas had an easy defensive job on that last possession because there was really no plausible second option to worry about.

Man I don't quite agree there. The point guard was pretty damned impressive. I think he'd start for a lot of teams, Kansas included. That and they could run a variety of set plays. Davidson is a great example of what dedication, team work, role players, and one great star can do for your team.

[Groundhog]

As much as I like cheering for the underdog, these four teams give us the best hope for close games in the final four and championship games.

Memphis are a better team than I gave them credit for earlier, as well.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Memphis are a better team than I gave them credit for earlier, as well.

I really, really hate admitting it, but yup. They broke through and got to a final four and obviously completely earned it. I still think they're only the 4th best team in the final four(can't be completely complimentary can I?) but they really, really deserve to be there.

I love that all four #1's are in the final four. Upsets early, powerhouse matchups late makes for a perfect tournament IMO.

Not that I wouldn't rather UNC be facing Davidson in a week, but, there should be 3 great games left.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just incidentally, the women's Elite Eight will be all #1 vs #2.

[watravaler]

I'd take Rose over Beasley...I think he can count on one hand the number of games he has lost since 5th grade...

[st.cronin]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

so many folks complain about how March Madness waters down the college basketball regular season or "renders it meaningless" because so many schools like Davidson are even allow to play in it at all.

No, people say it "renders the regular season meaningless" because teams like Villanova, Indiana, or Baylor are allowed to play - teams that didn't come close to winning any kind of conference title.

[st.cronin]

Originally Posted by watravaler

I'd take Rose over Beasley...I think he can count on one hand the number of games he has lost since 5th grade...

+1

[Eaglesfan27]

Just saw on ESPN that Curry has announced he is returning for his junior year as he doesn't feel that he is ready for the NBA, yet.

[whomario]

smart choice. He will get a shot at the NBA even if he were to stink it up next year, dunno how to explain it but as he´s no high-potential (athletically) guy anyway he is less dependant on jumping early instead of working on his overall skillset.
They do loose 3 of their Top 6 guys in Meno, Sanders and especially Richards.
So it´s far from a given that they repeat such a run, will have to wait if they find replacements for them, especially Richards.

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by whomario

They do loose 3 of their Top 6 guys in Meno, Sanders and especially Richards.
So it´s far from a given that they repeat such a run, will have to wait if they find replacements for them, especially Richards.

It seems like, for one year only, it should be REALLY easy to recruit to Davidson. It almost seems like it would be an option for a one-and-done type guy. But then there are those pesky academic standards.

[wade moore]

Originally Posted by LloydLungs

It seems like, for one year only, it should be REALLY easy to recruit to Davidson. It almost seems like it would be an option for a one-and-done type guy. But then there are those pesky academic standards.

They'll run into the same situation as George Mason.

George Mason's first truly stellar class coming in thanks to their 2006 run is the class coming in this fall. Davidson likely already has all of its commitments for this fall and even if they don't there likely aren't a lot of impact guys out there for one, and for another they're not likely to sign with a team that starts talking to them just now.

Davidson will see any benefit in the class that starts in 2009 when they have a full recruiting season to work on them.

[LloydLungs]

Originally Posted by wade moore

Davidson will see any benefit in the class that starts in 2009 when they have a full recruiting season to work on them.

See, I was thinking Davidson's boost would be time-sensitive -- i.e. possibly recruiting an elite talent for the specific purpose of playing with Curry to make a run next season. I mean, put a really good big man on Davidson, to take just SOME heat off Curry, and they could very well make a title run next year. But you're right, I suppose most of the elite talents have already committed.

I'm not sure how much long-term boost Davidson will get -- for one, they didn't actually make the final four (plenty of non-power schools have made the elite eight), and Curry won't be there after next year.

[Logan]

Any elite talent, save for Tyreke Evans I guess (and you would need two balls to have him and Curry play together), already has a signed LOI for next season.

[rjolley]

There is the PF that IU that reopened his recruitment...Ewbanks, was it?

Edit: Ebanks.

[Logan]

Memphis, Texas or Rutgers for him.

[hoopsguy]

Just read that both of the Lopez boys are heading to the pros.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Logan

Memphis, Texas or Rutgers for him.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

Just read that both of the Lopez boys are heading to the pros.

bad move by Robin

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Radii

Granted. But RU is in his backyard, he's got an amazing relationship with one of our coaches, and he gets the spotlight of NYC. We have a legit shot, as we did before he picked Texas.