The Road To The NCAA Final Four....& March Madness!
- Thread starter EagerBeaver
- Start date
Bc, Nova
As I mentioned in my coaches agreeing post getting shots from each possesion is paramount to success. If you look over the entire game BC had 22 turnovers. This may not be a staggering number in an up and down the court game with each team having many possessions but in the case of tonight the game was half court with each team burning off 20-30 seconds before a shot was available. Therefore 22 turnovers is a staggering amount. The other factor was BC 50% from the foul line. This is embarrissing for a Div.! program.
However, foul shooting percentages have dropped over time as fundamentals of the game are not being taught as well at the youth and high school levels.
That is for another discussion.
I still think UCONN has the inside track because of the strongest combination of point guard and post play. However, the games have to be played.
Back to the game and a Coors Light!!
As I mentioned in my coaches agreeing post getting shots from each possesion is paramount to success. If you look over the entire game BC had 22 turnovers. This may not be a staggering number in an up and down the court game with each team having many possessions but in the case of tonight the game was half court with each team burning off 20-30 seconds before a shot was available. Therefore 22 turnovers is a staggering amount. The other factor was BC 50% from the foul line. This is embarrissing for a Div.! program.
However, foul shooting percentages have dropped over time as fundamentals of the game are not being taught as well at the youth and high school levels.
That is for another discussion.
I still think UCONN has the inside track because of the strongest combination of point guard and post play. However, the games have to be played.
Back to the game and a Coors Light!!
when its over
I will analyze GT, Gators when its over as I have not seen Florida this year. I hope I am able to choose the winner this way!!!!
Enjoy the game. Gator girl wooow!!
I will analyze GT, Gators when its over as I have not seen Florida this year. I hope I am able to choose the winner this way!!!!
Enjoy the game. Gator girl wooow!!
Huskies vs. Huskies
Uconn is not playing like a champion although I think they have the most talent. They seen to lack focus and the players and coaches are spending way to much energy on complaining on calls. Also unforced turnovers and poor foul shooting could be caused by the same lack of concentration. Each player can only control his performance, not calls, or the other team, or some bounces of the ball. This problem has been evident since their first game against Albany. I belive they will begin to focus and win it all.
The Washington Huskies are a very good and balanced team. I was especially impressed by their ability to pass the ball. Not only did they continuously hit the open man. The passer passed the ball to the receiver in a position that lead directly to a shot or dribble move. The receiver did not have to change the position of the ball once he caught it. This makes the offendive player harder to guard because he can play at a quicker pace!
Let' hope the rest of the tournament games are as close as the last two nights.
Uconn is not playing like a champion although I think they have the most talent. They seen to lack focus and the players and coaches are spending way to much energy on complaining on calls. Also unforced turnovers and poor foul shooting could be caused by the same lack of concentration. Each player can only control his performance, not calls, or the other team, or some bounces of the ball. This problem has been evident since their first game against Albany. I belive they will begin to focus and win it all.
The Washington Huskies are a very good and balanced team. I was especially impressed by their ability to pass the ball. Not only did they continuously hit the open man. The passer passed the ball to the receiver in a position that lead directly to a shot or dribble move. The receiver did not have to change the position of the ball once he caught it. This makes the offendive player harder to guard because he can play at a quicker pace!
Let' hope the rest of the tournament games are as close as the last two nights.
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Reaching a bit aren't we?
Not knowing anything about him other than the fact that he is a very good basketball player don't you think its a stretch to make a statement like that about someone?
I agree there is too much "in your face" attitude on sports. ALL SPORTS, Pro AND Amatuer alike, hell they even taunt each other in high school. That being said it is quite common and shouldn't shock anyone who watches a lot of sports nearly so much.
As far as Morrison being animated in his attitude towards the opposing teams try to imagine what its like having a target on you all game long. Having a guy draped over your back, holding you, slapping at you, hitting you, slamming into you, knocking you down, and anything else they can get away with and then you'll have an idea of what its like to be Adam Morrison. Not to mention, the other guys are talking to him all game long trying to get into his head.
Morrison is an extreme competitor and for the most part his reactions during games are typical for players of his caliber and personality. I do agree with EB that he wasn't involved enough during the last 4 minutes of that game but his performance was nothing to be ashamed of, unlike Reddicks uncharacteristic 3-18, Morrison was 11-18 and had the highest scoring average in the tournament (24.3) of players who were in more than one game. Just a note to consider about him as well, he is a Diabetic, which makes his performance all the more amazing.
BTW, trash talking IS taunting, and Bird, and Jordan were extremely animated players who never shyed away from a challenge. It actually should play well to NBA scouts that Morrison is so animated because it reflects his desire to inflict his will on his opponent in order to crush his psyche which was Michael Jordans trademark. Phil Jackson described Jordan as a "Shark" and talked about how he would go into "Shark mode."
The one image I remember of Jordan more than any other was his posterization of Patrick Ewing, one of his best friends, and most oft vanquished opponents. After throwing down a vicious dunk directly over the 7"1' Ewing with Ewing in his face challenging his path to the rim, Jordan slowly skipped backwards while staring directly into Ewings eyes which were averted out of sheer embarassment over what had just happened to him. Jordan shook his head ever so slightly as if saying "Don't you EVER try to block my path to the rim again!" A lot of NBA afficionados will tell you that it was a defining moment in both of their careers. Jordan had put Ewing in his place so to speak and the Knicks were never able to beat the Bulls who won 6 Championships with Jordan.
Jeff Van Gundy once said that Jordan liked to sucker his opponents in to being soft by being nice to them and would then exploit that (supposedly) fake good will by embarassing them on the court. Jordan was so inflamed by this that he dropped forty+ on the Knicks the next time he played them and stared down Van Gundy (the Knicks coach btw) all game long and even taunted him after the game was over! Jordan actually learned a lot about trash talking from Larry legend who infamously exchanged barbs with Jordan during Jordans record 63 point performance against the Celtics in the playoffs. He always said how much he learned from Larry because while he was concentrating on utterly showing up his opponent Larry was concentrating on getting his team a W. When Jordan realized this he changed his focus, and it all started with trash talking.
If Hockey fans can justify two guys bashing each others faces in, call it entertainment in the same breath, and market it to kids, as a serious sports fan you really have to ask if a little taunting in basketball is worth even mentioning.
CryWolf said:
Not knowing anything about him other than the fact that he is a very good basketball player don't you think its a stretch to make a statement like that about someone?
I agree there is too much "in your face" attitude on sports. ALL SPORTS, Pro AND Amatuer alike, hell they even taunt each other in high school. That being said it is quite common and shouldn't shock anyone who watches a lot of sports nearly so much.
As far as Morrison being animated in his attitude towards the opposing teams try to imagine what its like having a target on you all game long. Having a guy draped over your back, holding you, slapping at you, hitting you, slamming into you, knocking you down, and anything else they can get away with and then you'll have an idea of what its like to be Adam Morrison. Not to mention, the other guys are talking to him all game long trying to get into his head.
Morrison is an extreme competitor and for the most part his reactions during games are typical for players of his caliber and personality. I do agree with EB that he wasn't involved enough during the last 4 minutes of that game but his performance was nothing to be ashamed of, unlike Reddicks uncharacteristic 3-18, Morrison was 11-18 and had the highest scoring average in the tournament (24.3) of players who were in more than one game. Just a note to consider about him as well, he is a Diabetic, which makes his performance all the more amazing.
BTW, trash talking IS taunting, and Bird, and Jordan were extremely animated players who never shyed away from a challenge. It actually should play well to NBA scouts that Morrison is so animated because it reflects his desire to inflict his will on his opponent in order to crush his psyche which was Michael Jordans trademark. Phil Jackson described Jordan as a "Shark" and talked about how he would go into "Shark mode."
The one image I remember of Jordan more than any other was his posterization of Patrick Ewing, one of his best friends, and most oft vanquished opponents. After throwing down a vicious dunk directly over the 7"1' Ewing with Ewing in his face challenging his path to the rim, Jordan slowly skipped backwards while staring directly into Ewings eyes which were averted out of sheer embarassment over what had just happened to him. Jordan shook his head ever so slightly as if saying "Don't you EVER try to block my path to the rim again!" A lot of NBA afficionados will tell you that it was a defining moment in both of their careers. Jordan had put Ewing in his place so to speak and the Knicks were never able to beat the Bulls who won 6 Championships with Jordan.
Jeff Van Gundy once said that Jordan liked to sucker his opponents in to being soft by being nice to them and would then exploit that (supposedly) fake good will by embarassing them on the court. Jordan was so inflamed by this that he dropped forty+ on the Knicks the next time he played them and stared down Van Gundy (the Knicks coach btw) all game long and even taunted him after the game was over! Jordan actually learned a lot about trash talking from Larry legend who infamously exchanged barbs with Jordan during Jordans record 63 point performance against the Celtics in the playoffs. He always said how much he learned from Larry because while he was concentrating on utterly showing up his opponent Larry was concentrating on getting his team a W. When Jordan realized this he changed his focus, and it all started with trash talking.
If Hockey fans can justify two guys bashing each others faces in, call it entertainment in the same breath, and market it to kids, as a serious sports fan you really have to ask if a little taunting in basketball is worth even mentioning.
UConn
FINAL SCORE: UCONN 98, WASHINGTON 92 OT
Great game, great shot by Rashad Anderson at the end of regulation.
Guys, I have seen UConn play all year, and they have played horribly and uncharacterisically in the NCAA tournament. They have played better teams than what they have faced so far, and not had the avalanche of turnovers like they had last night against Washington which was their season high. Ballhandling has been a major issue in the NCAA tournament.
Yet they have survived with 3 wins after 3 very shaky performances. I have to think they will play better. If they don't, they will obviously be gone soon as all the teams left are capable of beating them.
FINAL SCORE: UCONN 98, WASHINGTON 92 OT
Great game, great shot by Rashad Anderson at the end of regulation.
Guys, I have seen UConn play all year, and they have played horribly and uncharacterisically in the NCAA tournament. They have played better teams than what they have faced so far, and not had the avalanche of turnovers like they had last night against Washington which was their season high. Ballhandling has been a major issue in the NCAA tournament.
Yet they have survived with 3 wins after 3 very shaky performances. I have to think they will play better. If they don't, they will obviously be gone soon as all the teams left are capable of beating them.
Edit
Honest Abe,
You say the Redick's 3-18 FG shooting was "uncharacteristic", yet this is now 3 different occasions on which Redick shot horribly as Duke flamed out of the NCAA tournament. Redick's poor performances were a big reason why Duke was prematurely knocked out of the NCAA tournament each year and why Duke did not win an NCAA tournament while he was there. And he did squat against UConn in the semifinals in 2004 (although the whole Duke team did nothing in the last 4 minutes, not just Redick). His legacy may be as a player who failed his team when they needed him most.
Honest Abe,
You say the Redick's 3-18 FG shooting was "uncharacteristic", yet this is now 3 different occasions on which Redick shot horribly as Duke flamed out of the NCAA tournament. Redick's poor performances were a big reason why Duke was prematurely knocked out of the NCAA tournament each year and why Duke did not win an NCAA tournament while he was there. And he did squat against UConn in the semifinals in 2004 (although the whole Duke team did nothing in the last 4 minutes, not just Redick). His legacy may be as a player who failed his team when they needed him most.
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HonestAbe BTW said:Good analysis Honest, nothing personal about Morrison but usually you don't see NBA attitude in college ball. These players play their hearts out on the court, they don't bitch about a call, they just cry when they lose a gutwrenching game. That is why March Madness is so popular. I just read that billions of dollars of productivity working hours are lost during MM.
BTW these future hall of famers don't get in the faces of their foes to make a statement : K. Garnett, A. Iverson, T. Duncan and LeBron James. What about Yao Ming, J. Stockton, S. Nash and the list goes on and on...
Regarding hockey, I don't think "fans justify the bashing". Hockey is a macho game where intimidation is the motto. But that should not justify scenes like T. Bertuzzi sucker punching a colorado player, D. Brashear getting bashed in the head with a hockey stick and D. Hunter cross checking that almost killed a player (forgot his name) that just scored a goal. Think about the kids watching these scenes live. Hockey reminds me of ancient gladiators entering the rink, ready to kill their adversaries.
Anyway, back to this wonderful tournament which is MARCH MADNESS!!!
EagerBeaver said:
I absolutely agree that Redick never brought his team to the promised land. However, I think coach K. should take some of the blame because he has not recruited the type of players that Redick needs around him for them to win the championship. A shooting guard as your primary weapon will not do it! Don't get me wrong I think coach K is a great coach. In this instance I think he missed the boat a little. As the tournament progresses it becomes harder and harder to score from the outside because the best defensive teams advance ad the pressure of the tournament affects the offense (especially shooting) the most because you need to be relaxed in order to shoot the ball well. Tense muscles makes it hard to shoot. If you look at all of the teams left I think you will agree the best and quickest defensive teams are left!
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"No work please, it's basketball time"
Here is an excerpt from a news article:
"By Ellen Wulfhorst
Fri Mar 24, 9:35 AM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Relax, don't work so hard. These days no one else in America does, and that might not be such a bad thing for an employer's bottom line.
It's "March Madness," when millions of U.S. workers spend so much time following the men's college basketball games of the NCAA Tournament that by one estimate they're costing companies $3.8 billion in lost productivity.
That price comes as no surprise, said one Boston-area salesman who says his clients have been preoccupied with the three-week, 65-team event that ends with the final game on April 3."
Here is an excerpt from a news article:
"By Ellen Wulfhorst
Fri Mar 24, 9:35 AM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Relax, don't work so hard. These days no one else in America does, and that might not be such a bad thing for an employer's bottom line.
It's "March Madness," when millions of U.S. workers spend so much time following the men's college basketball games of the NCAA Tournament that by one estimate they're costing companies $3.8 billion in lost productivity.
That price comes as no surprise, said one Boston-area salesman who says his clients have been preoccupied with the three-week, 65-team event that ends with the final game on April 3."
Objectivity is nice to see.
EB,
I agree with you that Reddick has pulled several no shows. I think the reason for it may be that when he is blanketed by a tremendous defensive player(or team) who is bigger and more athletic than him he has a hard time getting an open look at the basket. I still think he is an excellent shooter and could well be the next Steve Kerr in the NBA. Not a superstar but an excellent role player that could help take several teams to the next level.
I also want to compliment you on your willingness to openly criticize your favorite team. I agree with your assessment of UConn's play thus far. They, as well as Villanova, have required several small miracles to advance to this point. I do however give them credit for not lying down and for doing what it took to win.
Cry Wolf,
Again I agree with you that the amount or kind of taunting can be irritating to watch. I was surprised you included Iverson in your list of players whom were more respectful? I find him to be one of the most destructive influences in the NBA along with being overrated, I say overrated because he shoots about 40% from the field and until recently was a huge ball hog. His nickname "The answer" always makes me chuckle and ask the question "To what?"
I also agree with you that hockey is a more gladatorial sport and that explains the fighting but I was getting at what is more offensive to the viewer. For those who abhor gratuitous violence I think the taunting is much more acceptable. Good discourse here, thanks much.
EB,
I agree with you that Reddick has pulled several no shows. I think the reason for it may be that when he is blanketed by a tremendous defensive player(or team) who is bigger and more athletic than him he has a hard time getting an open look at the basket. I still think he is an excellent shooter and could well be the next Steve Kerr in the NBA. Not a superstar but an excellent role player that could help take several teams to the next level.
I also want to compliment you on your willingness to openly criticize your favorite team. I agree with your assessment of UConn's play thus far. They, as well as Villanova, have required several small miracles to advance to this point. I do however give them credit for not lying down and for doing what it took to win.
Cry Wolf,
Again I agree with you that the amount or kind of taunting can be irritating to watch. I was surprised you included Iverson in your list of players whom were more respectful? I find him to be one of the most destructive influences in the NBA along with being overrated, I say overrated because he shoots about 40% from the field and until recently was a huge ball hog. His nickname "The answer" always makes me chuckle and ask the question "To what?"
I also agree with you that hockey is a more gladatorial sport and that explains the fighting but I was getting at what is more offensive to the viewer. For those who abhor gratuitous violence I think the taunting is much more acceptable. Good discourse here, thanks much.
UCLA and LSU
First team to 50 wins
This match-up in the final four is very interesting. Both teams want to go inside on offense and rely on suffocating defense. It has all the earmarks of a physical low scoring war. Which will make 2 often over looked parts of the game vital. Good foul shooting will be crucial. Also scoring fast break baskets from defensive pressure could prove important because neither team will be able to consistently score against a set half court defense.
These two teams are without doubt two of the best defending teams in basketball. They can both defend the basket area. Today UCLA was magnificant in stopping Memphis's dribble penetration which normally sets up open 3 point attempts for them. Their 3 point shooting percentage was down because players guarding the perimeter players without the ball did not have to help the man guarding the dribbler. This ability of UCLA gives them a slight edge. However, I wouldn't bet a lot on them. This game is true toss up and will be fun to watch if you like physical basketball as I do.
First team to 50 wins
This match-up in the final four is very interesting. Both teams want to go inside on offense and rely on suffocating defense. It has all the earmarks of a physical low scoring war. Which will make 2 often over looked parts of the game vital. Good foul shooting will be crucial. Also scoring fast break baskets from defensive pressure could prove important because neither team will be able to consistently score against a set half court defense.
These two teams are without doubt two of the best defending teams in basketball. They can both defend the basket area. Today UCLA was magnificant in stopping Memphis's dribble penetration which normally sets up open 3 point attempts for them. Their 3 point shooting percentage was down because players guarding the perimeter players without the ball did not have to help the man guarding the dribbler. This ability of UCLA gives them a slight edge. However, I wouldn't bet a lot on them. This game is true toss up and will be fun to watch if you like physical basketball as I do.
kenf,
Good analysis on that game, I would add that Memphis also did not play very smart or disciplined in their halfcourt offense and they took bad shots, in part due to frustration when other things were not working.
The UCLA point guard, Farmar, dribbles the ball too much and he can't play like that against LSU. I like LSU due to them having more beef in the post and a more athletic team overall, but I agree it is close to being a toss up.
Good analysis on that game, I would add that Memphis also did not play very smart or disciplined in their halfcourt offense and they took bad shots, in part due to frustration when other things were not working.
The UCLA point guard, Farmar, dribbles the ball too much and he can't play like that against LSU. I like LSU due to them having more beef in the post and a more athletic team overall, but I agree it is close to being a toss up.
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young players
btyger
I agree that they must work from inside out and I am sure you are referring to late in the game and their outside shots. Having been in the position of coaching young players with some of my teams I can safely say they don't always do what the coaches ask. I would be surprised if their coach didn't tell them the same thing you suggested.
btyger
I agree that they must work from inside out and I am sure you are referring to late in the game and their outside shots. Having been in the position of coaching young players with some of my teams I can safely say they don't always do what the coaches ask. I would be surprised if their coach didn't tell them the same thing you suggested.
young players playing smart
EB
I absolutely agree with the lack of smarts the Tigers played with. Young players have a way of getting caught up in the emotion of the moment. I believe, I could be wrong, that Dean Smith once said the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores.
EB
I absolutely agree with the lack of smarts the Tigers played with. Young players have a way of getting caught up in the emotion of the moment. I believe, I could be wrong, that Dean Smith once said the best thing about freshmen is they become sophomores.
What the hell is going on?!
I'm admittedly shocked that Memphis lost, that game was horrible. Lowest combined point total for a regional final game in the shot clock era, lowest point total by a #1 seed in a tournament game and a couple other "lowlight" awards I can't recall. I had them in the Final Four due to the fact that until last night they were the only #1 seed that was playing like a #1 seed. Namely building up double digit leads and keeping them there. They displayed the swagger that you expect from a confident top notch team. The other #1 seeds performance to date would be better described as "stagger" rather than "swagger."
Will we see a #1 seed make the Final Four? Has it ever happened that not one of them made it? In addition the only #2 seed that is left is UCLA who to be quite honest don't appear all that impressive from their performances and in fact are quite inept for long stretches during games. The best performance I have seen so far is coming from LSU. Where was the buzz about these guys all year long? How could they have been so overlooked and underrated? Their two big men are absolutely eating their opponents alive! Their games are actually enjoyable to watch rather than painful to suffer through.
I'm admittedly shocked that Memphis lost, that game was horrible. Lowest combined point total for a regional final game in the shot clock era, lowest point total by a #1 seed in a tournament game and a couple other "lowlight" awards I can't recall. I had them in the Final Four due to the fact that until last night they were the only #1 seed that was playing like a #1 seed. Namely building up double digit leads and keeping them there. They displayed the swagger that you expect from a confident top notch team. The other #1 seeds performance to date would be better described as "stagger" rather than "swagger."
Will we see a #1 seed make the Final Four? Has it ever happened that not one of them made it? In addition the only #2 seed that is left is UCLA who to be quite honest don't appear all that impressive from their performances and in fact are quite inept for long stretches during games. The best performance I have seen so far is coming from LSU. Where was the buzz about these guys all year long? How could they have been so overlooked and underrated? Their two big men are absolutely eating their opponents alive! Their games are actually enjoyable to watch rather than painful to suffer through.
Honest Abe,
There was plenty of buzz about LSU by college basketball insiders after they played UConn earlier this year and UConn escaped with a 1 point win. After that there was a lot of buzz about Thomas who blocked 7 shots against UConn and played way above the rim as well as Glen "Big Baby" Davis who was SEC freshman of the year last year.
In the game against UConn, LSU had a 15 point lead and UConn stormed back and won. Armstrong had 19 points for UConn if I recall correctly and had a number of big baskets late.
There was plenty of buzz about LSU by college basketball insiders after they played UConn earlier this year and UConn escaped with a 1 point win. After that there was a lot of buzz about Thomas who blocked 7 shots against UConn and played way above the rim as well as Glen "Big Baby" Davis who was SEC freshman of the year last year.
In the game against UConn, LSU had a 15 point lead and UConn stormed back and won. Armstrong had 19 points for UConn if I recall correctly and had a number of big baskets late.
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George Mason Stuns UConn
Final score: GEORGE MASON 86, UCONN 84, OT
I didn't think a team with no starter over 6'7" could beat UConn, but George Mason played mistake free, inside/outside basketball, and played very smart. They also have very good three point shooters.
UConn's Denham had a three point shot glance off the rim at the buzzer. It was a bitter end to the season for the most talented team in the country, which did not play good defense in the tournament and was outrebounded and generally outhustled by a much smaller GMU team.
Congratulations to GMU for an amazing run to the Final 4, beating Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State and UConn with a smallish team but a true TEAM.
Final score: GEORGE MASON 86, UCONN 84, OT
I didn't think a team with no starter over 6'7" could beat UConn, but George Mason played mistake free, inside/outside basketball, and played very smart. They also have very good three point shooters.
UConn's Denham had a three point shot glance off the rim at the buzzer. It was a bitter end to the season for the most talented team in the country, which did not play good defense in the tournament and was outrebounded and generally outhustled by a much smaller GMU team.
Congratulations to GMU for an amazing run to the Final 4, beating Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State and UConn with a smallish team but a true TEAM.
EagerBeaver said:
What a game! I was on the edge of my seat. GMU deserves the win, they outhustled a bigger team + sank 3 pointers. They should have won it in regular time had they not been overconfident in the last plays of the game.
Another regional final lost by UCONN.
This is what MM is all about. Always expect the unexpected. Cinderella is coming to town.
You gotta love college ball.
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