Morning Coffee - Even More Madness

by PB @ BON on Mar 9, 2007 12:12 AM CST in Basketball Comment 23 comments

Andrew's touched on some of this in his Madness notes below, but let's start with a recap in the Big 12, where Oklahoma took care of Iowa State, Texas Tech outpaced Colorado, Oklahoma State smothered Nebraska, and Baylor blitzed past Missouri in what was easily the most impressive performance of any Big 12 team on the day.

Tomorrow's lineup is now set:

11:30 a.m. 1. Kansas vs 9. Oklahoma
2:00 p.m. 4. Kansas State vs 5. Texas Tech
6:00 p.m. 2. Texas A&M vs. 7. Oklahoma State
8:20 p.m. 3. Texas vs. 11. Baylor

There's not a single team west of the Rockies that scares me. UCLA has a gaudy 26-5 record thanks to a wonderful coach who gets the most out of his defense, as well as a star guard in Afflalo who can be a versatile scorer, but the team is far too one-dimensional on offense to make a deep tourney run. I know they want to keep the faith right about now, but if I'm a Bruin fan, I'm more than a little nervous about this team's chances to get to Atlanta.

If it's ACC tourney coverage you're seeking, I urge you to keep your eye on Carolina March. Forget the fact that TH is a delicious writer; the man knows his basketball, too. Money quote from his Thursday preview?

For some reason, I think Miami has the greatest potential for an upset. They've slowly gelled into a real team since suspending Denis Clemente for the remainder of the season. . . Miami has a surpisingly potent offense for their record, and I think they can pull off the 12th-seed shocker."

Smart indeed. Plus: bonus postage - TH's Top 10 least favorite Dukies of all time. I personally can't fathom anyone but Laettner at the top of this list - not after the Mashburn stomach stomp that epitomized everything I hate about Duke basketball and Mike Krzyzewski.

I don't know if it's the Garden, or the history of the tournament, or that every game is nationally televised, or what - but the Big East tournament is always at or near the top of my favorites each year. Card Chronicle is live blogging the entire thing, with appropriate breaks to cheer on The Ville. Day Two at MSG saw my dear-to-heart Hoyas erupt with a 26-2 run to start the game - a lead which held up despite a significant Villanova run. Billyzane's got the session report.

A few words on Baylor: the decisive first half run the Bears went on to turn a 28-28 game into a 45-30 lead was simply astonishing. They hit at least six straight field goals during that stretch, scoring more or less at will against the Tigers. AW's been saying it since December and KenPom predicted an 8-8 finish from the Bears before the season got under way. Now that this team is healthy and playing their best basketball of the year, Texas may have their hands full if they don't come prepared to defend.

The big problem with Baylor is Aaron Bruce. The emerging Curtis Jerrells is impressive in his own right, but it's through Bruce that the magic happens. Ninety percent of the time, he's one of the smartest basketball players you'll ever see play the game. (It's almost a given that he'll force 2-3 passes per game that just aren't there, which accounts for his less than perfect evaluation.) He's kind of like Steve Nash, only 100 times slower and less effective as a scorer - he puts his teammates in position to succeed, and utilizes a quick first step better than any guard in the league. He's not physically gifted enough to play in the NBA, but he's got a ridiculous basketball IQ.

How to defend Bruce? Texas should put Abrams on Bruce and tell him to use every ounce of his quickness to keep him in front of him. I'm fine with Bruce scoring 15-20 points, but we can't have him blowing by a flat-footed defender and disrupting the entire defensive rotation. Put Abrams on Bruce, tell AJ it's his primary responsibility for the entire game, stick Mason on Jerrells, and suffocate the Baylor perimeter. Baylor is a tough team, but we match up reasonably well with them; they don't have the interior game to make us pay for expending a lot of defensive capital on the outside.

Congratulations are in order for Bockcara and bklynBEVO, who were the only ones to correctly pick six of our seven games in the spontaneous contest pick 'em. Both will receive t-shirts.

Keep an eye out for a new set of picks for Friday's action.

--PB--

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Correction

It was actually Aminu Timberlake who Laettner stomped on, and not Mash. As a Louisville fan I've watched the game approximately 772 times.

Best of luck to your boys against the Bears tomorrow.

by Card Chronicle on Mar 9, 2007 1:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

West of the Rockies

Doesn't Nevada make you just the tiniest bit nervous? I know they haven't played anyone this year, but that's what scares me - do we really know how good they are?

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 2:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Alright, fine, I'll admit it

Not a single team west of the Rockies scares me any more, after Nevada tanked to unranked Utah State (Mormon Aggies) in the WAC semifinals last night.

Does this loss drop them from the 4-seed line, and consequently seal the deal for Texas? Or do we still need to beat the Cowboys tonight to secure that spot?

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 10, 2007 12:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Also this story from WBB

One of the less-pleasant aspects of the womens' game, with roots back to the Sheryl Swoopes debacle at Texas, and probably back to the earliest days of the game.

'LSU women's basketball coach Pokey Chatman said Thursday she won't coach in the NCAA tournament, and The Times-Picayune of New Orleans reported on its Web site the resignation was prompted by the school's discovery of inappropriate conduct between Chatman and one or more players.

Assistant coach Bob Starkey, who will take over the team for now, declined to say whether he was aware of any improper conduct.

"There's been 20 to 25 things that are just floating out there, and I think she thought if she just stepped away from it she could eliminate that from even multiplying," Starkey said. "She has her reasons, and hopefully, soon she'll address that herself."

The Times-Picayune, citing university sources, offered few details, saying it was unclear when the alleged transgressions took place. ESPN.com reported LSU had found out about an improper sexual relationship between Chatman and a former player.

LSU athletic director Skip Bertman told the newspaper no formal investigation had taken place but that an informal investigation "might have happened."

"I can understand people's perception, but all I can tell you is the way it unfolded," said Starkey, who added he didn't believe Chatman was forced to resign. "Sometimes in coaching things unfold in ways that are hard to perceive, and this is one of them." '

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw/news;_ylt=AnSVH3v.fOwaEMuz.1cvFPVMvrYF?slug=ap-lsu-chatman&prov=ap &type=lgns

Chatman is an incredibly talented coach, and I've always enjoyed her feisty attitude - especially when she and Baylor coach Kim Mulkey are on the same court. No love lost there. It's a shame she had to leave the team, but I applaud her decision to avoid being a distraction in the post-season.

I would love to have her on the staff at Texas, but given the controversy surrounding her departure and the issues that have dogged the Texas womens' program, I don't think there's a chance in hell.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 2:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

In the Big XII WBB Tourney

Oklahoma dominated Baylor, again, and Iowa State upset the Aggies. No doubt in my mind OU wins the conference tourney title again this year. Of the four semifinalists, only OU has a chance to make it to the Sweet 16 this year, which is surprising considering how loaded the Big XII appeared to be at the beginning of the season - both OU and Baylor were in the Top 10, and I think the Aggies were in the Top 15. But both Baylor and aTm have had their weaknesses exposed in Big XII play, and I just don't think they have enough talent and depth for a deep run this season.

The Aggies have basically their entire team back next year, so they should challenge for the conference title again. Baylor loses half their offense with the graduation of Bernice Mosby, so I think they will struggle. I posted my thoughts on next year's Texas team here: http://burntorangenation.com/story/2007/3/6/221537/8312

So it looks like next year will once again be the Year of the Land Thieves.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 2:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

One more comment...

... and then I promise I'll shut up.

PB's Gregory Gazelles finally announced their Spring Exhibition schedule yesterday, and it contained a big surprise: beach volleyball!

"Texas' second event of the spring is an intra-squad round-robin sand volleyball doubles tournament. The event will begin at approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at the Zilker Park sand volleyball courts."

How can you say no to this one, BON'ers?

http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=52&url_article_id=6068&url_subcha nnel_id=&change_well_id=2

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 2:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

nice...

Now what do I tell my girlfriend I'm going to see? Maybe ultimate frizbee.

by hornbone on Mar 9, 2007 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OK I lied

I just couldn't pass up posting this must-read article. Guess what guys? The Big XII is basketball heaven!

"What more to do want? There are two All-Americans here, including the best player in the past 20 years. So are two possible No. 1 seeds. So is the winningest Division I coach. Welcome to the Big (12) Shill. This is where lifelong Midwest resident wakes up one day and suddenly realizes basketball heaven is in his backyard this weekend."

About time someone woke up to what we've all been saying all season.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10048271

And there's this nugget, sure to please our toothless cousins in B/CS:

"Meanwhile, here's a shocker for those wild-eyed Wildcats slobbering over Gillespie at Kentucky. He ain't going.

Go ahead, fire Tubby Smith.

Go ahead, offer Gillespie $2.5 million a year.

He's still staying. Why? Billy Clyde Gillespie is all Texan. By staying at A&M he can land the best talent in the state. A few years ago folks would have laughed at that statement. Now the rest of the country is envious.

By staying in his native state, Billy Clyde can win a national championship. He might do it before Bill Self and Rick Barnes."

PB, it's time to do an interview with Dennis Dodd.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 3:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rick

would probably leave us for Kentucky. I think it is in his contract or something. It hurts to think about, because the field of candidates to replace him aren't impressive.

Billy G. would also be crazy to pass up Kentucky. They will give him what ever he wants, the atmosphere at Rupp is off the charts and A&M will never be able to match the resources or fan enthusiasum. No matter what Aggie claims they are sinking in to their facilities it would dwarf in comparison to what Kentucky can pony. Billy G. would have to know that he only gets the scraps falling off the table after football.
Aggie also can't recruit nationally the blue chip players.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 9, 2007 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i demand a recount

unless i'm reading things wrong, i managed to hit six out of seven as well. damn, where's that luck when i'm picking mega millions numbers?

by bklynBEVO on Mar 9, 2007 8:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You're right, you're right

A total oversight...

T-shirts for the both of you!

Nice picks.

--PB--

by PB @ BON on Mar 9, 2007 8:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Off the topic

But in case you missed it, Chris Simms did a rather testy interview with Dan Patrick on the Big Show two days ago. I didn't hear it until last night on my commute home (podcast).

You can listen or download here (scroll to The Big Show 3/7). The interview is at the end of the podcast.
http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/index#void

Simms tries to play it like he isn't upset about the Bucs trading for Garcia and Plummer, but I'm not sure if it is believable.
Patrick jokes about them maybe trading for Major.
He really tries to push his buttons.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 9, 2007 8:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Geez

I feel bad for Chris. That guy can never catch a break. At least he still has his splee...oh wait.

I have a commitment to the truth.

by steezy on Mar 9, 2007 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Dookie list brings back memories

First, I'm not sure how anyone can "hate" Bobby Hurley. Sure I can't stand the Pooh Devils, but Hurley was a lot of fun to watch. His basketball IQ was off the charts.

Second, what about Cherokee Parks the tatooed wonder or that back-up center who screamed at the ref when they got bounced by Indiana and used to act like a spaz on the bench? Parks bothered me so much I would change the channel when he got too much camera time.

Christian Laettner I always figure would eventually be the first to come out of the closet in the NBA. He and Brian Davis are still a couple, but I guess they choose to keep it on the down low. http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/ncb/2001/1217/photo/a_laettner_hi.jpg

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2792474

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Mar 9, 2007 9:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if this is off-topic

since I can't tell what the topic of this thread is; but Texas playing Baylor wasn't what I was hoping for. I'm hoping Baylor's tired, because they're certainly going to be motivated after dropping 2 close ones to UT this season.

by rom on Mar 9, 2007 10:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

on the other hand

if UT gets by Baylor, and Kansas by the Okies, then I'm really looking forward to UT vs. Kansas with both on 1 day's rest and on a neutral court.

by rom on Mar 9, 2007 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

looking ahead?

you play the winner of A&M/OSU assuming you get past the Bears.

by WacArnolds on Mar 9, 2007 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

whoops.

of course. Curse words.

by rom on Mar 9, 2007 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am salivating for that rematch.

KU got all the cushy advantages in that last game and still only survived by 4. Their rest advantage showed in the second half--especially in the battles down low. I can't stand KU, so I am ready for an even playing field.

Gravy Train with biscuit wheels.

by kicker on Mar 9, 2007 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

shit.

I think Wac is right.

Gravy Train with biscuit wheels.

by kicker on Mar 9, 2007 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I mean....

...is this really necessary??

espn: "If recent history is any indication, Texas couldn't have asked for a better matchup for its postseason opener. The Longhorns have won 19 straight against Baylor since an 80-75 defeat on Feb. 21, 1998, and own a 150-79 lead in the most-played series for both schools."

bye, felicia

JP in San An Tone

by thejahpaul on Mar 9, 2007 10:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Has MACK heard about this?

"The Longhorns have agreed to a home-and-home series of basketball games with Wisconsin, beginning next season in Austin.

The game is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 29.

Texas also will face Texas Christian in Austin and will begin a four-year series with Michigan State, the first game to be held at the Palace of Auburn Hills near Detroit."

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/longhorns/index.html

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 12:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Miami almost does it again

Falls to BC in OT 74-71. Not a great season for Frank Haith and the boys. Would have been nice to see them make a deeper and more disruptive run in the ACC tourney. It must be really hard to compete against Florida for bball recruits these days though.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Mar 9, 2007 4:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs